Camden to receive up to £9.48m to improve Holborn
Camden council has successfully bid to Transport for London’s (TfL) Liveable Neighbourhoods programme for up to £9.48m funding to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists in the Holborn area, as well as creating an enhanced public realm and access to public transport.
Together with other match-funding sources, the total package of works will amount to at least £12.5m.
“Holborn is a part of the borough that suffers from issues such as congestion, poor safety, and high levels of air pollution. So we are very pleased we have been successful in our funding bid to deliver safer, world-class streets for residents, workers, and visitors.
“The plans will improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists whilst also ensuring the area is easier to get to and move around in.
“Importantly, we will also work to upgrade public transport throughout Holborn, and in particular around Holborn underground station, which will contribute to rejuvenating the area and supporting new jobs and growth.”
The Holborn area is currently dominated by a highly traffic-congested and polluted gyratory and main road network, and suffers from high numbers of collisions, inadequate footway space and poor cycling facilities.
This ambitious project will seek to remove the gyratory, reduce severance, significantly improve public realm and introduce protected cycle lanes along High Holborn and Theobalds Road.
Sections of New Oxford Street and Great Russell Street are proposed to be closed to motor vehicles and a section of Bloomsbury Way is proposed for buses and cycles only.
Plans to pedestrianise Great Russell Street would dramatically improve the setting for the British Museum, and an enhanced pedestrian environment around Holborn station will deliver a much improved gateway to the area.
A freight reduction scheme will be delivered in partnership with the local Business Improvement District, BeeMidtown, who will also be closely involved, along with other partners, in the development of the project