Views are being sought on ‘once in a generation’ plans to make St Paul’s safer for people who walk and cycle and to introduce a greener, more pleasant environment.
The City of London Corporation is developing three potential options for streets which currently form part of the St Paul’s Gyratory between the Museum of London and St Paul’s Underground station.
All three options would see the creation of a new public square next to Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden, along with traffic calming measures and improvements for people walking and cycling.
The work could be part-funded by a contribution from the developers behind the ongoing refurbishment of the neighbouring former BT building at 81 Newgate Street.
Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “The redevelopment work going on in this part of the City gives us a once in a generation opportunity to transform an outdated road system and create a safer, more pleasant environment for people walking and cycling.
“It will also enable us to create an attractive new public square which workers, residents and visitors can enjoy, and support our ambition of boosting the Square Mile’s role as a 24/7 destination.
“It’s vital we take into account the views of businesses, residents and street users before any decision is made on how to progress, so I’d encourage people to have their say now and ensure their voice is heard.”
One of the potential schemes would see King Edward Street south of Angel Street closed to all traffic, allowing a 2,800 sq m public square to be created, with two-way traffic in Newgate Street and St Martin’s Le Grand.
The second option would allow buses and people cycling to use the southern part of King Edward Street, while the third would involve more minor changes, but both would see a smaller public square replacing the current slip road.
Work would need to be completed by early 2025 to coincide with the completion of the 81 Newgate Street redevelopment.
A second phase of work on the northern section of the gyratory would see the removal of the rotunda and roundabout outside the Museum of London, subject to the City Corporation’s London Wall West development going ahead.
06 January 2022