Improvements help Holborn’s festive pedestrian visitors
Last minute festive shoppers and those heading to central London on foot for some holiday related fun can now benefit from a series of improvements undertaken by Camden Council in the vicinity of Holborn Underground Station.
“The area around Holborn station has long been prone to pedestrian congestion at busy points of the day, often impacting on local residents and businesses, and especially now during the festive period when many people travel to central London to shop or visit the local tourist attractions.
“This scheme includes improved and enlarged pedestrian footways and an impressive double diagonal crossing that spans the junction of Kingsway and High Holborn, making it easier for people to walk or take public transport, by improving the access to the station.”
Historically, there have been a higher than average number of serious road collisions in the area affecting more vulnerable road users and following a public consultation in 2018, this scheme makes improvements to better protect these people.
Pedestrian numbers around Holborn Station are also predicated to increase by fifty percent by 2026 – these improvements will help prepare the area for this increase by reducing pedestrian congestion around the station, providing people with more opportunity to cross at the points they want to and more space to wait to cross.
Tass Mavrogordato, Chief Executive of Bee Midtown said:
“The district around Holborn station is a bustling centre that is currently experiencing massive social and commercial growth.
“The latest figures show that 56 million visitors travel through Holborn each year for both work and leisure. We are committed, along with Camden Council to reduce the congestion, crowding and provide much greater connectivity for everyone. These improvements, including the impressive diagonal crossing, will help us achieve this.”
David Harrison, London Living Streets said:
“London Living Streets are dedicated to making London one of the world’s best cities for walking and enjoying streets and public spaces — and not just designed for car users.
“These improvements in Holborn will greatly assist residents, businesses and visitors who wish to travel by foot for both business and pleasure in this popular area.”
Pictured above: Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden along with Tass Mavrogordato, Chief Executive of Bee Midtown; David Harrison, London Living Streets; David Joyce, Camden Council Director of Regeneration and Planning and Bee Midtown and Council representatives.