Local councils secure £8 million funding for a Better, Safer Kilburn
Camden, in partnership with Brent and Westminster Councils, has successfully bid to Transport for London for over £8 million funding for ‘Better, Safer Kilburn’, a scheme to improve the public realm and road safety in the neighbouring boroughs on Kilburn High Road.
Over several years we, along with Brent and Westminster councils, have been working to transform Kilburn High Road to tackle its poor road safety record, and provide a more inviting and accessible experience for everyone who visits the area.
Following a consultation last year, we are delighted that TfL have allocated this money to us and our partners, which along with £4m of our own investment, will see the widening of pavements in the heart of Kilburn, new protected cycle crossings, pocket parks and a complete upgrade of all street furniture, lighting and paving.
I would also like to thank the support of local community network One Kilburn, with their community conversations and projects that have assisted us in developing this scheme.
Councillor Max Sullivan, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Streets, said:
“We are proud to work with Camden and Brent councils to deliver the Better, Safer Kilburn programme. Kilburn High Road is a vital thoroughfare which connects our communities, but it has long needed investment to make it safer and more welcoming for everyone.
“This significant funding from Transport for London, alongside our own contributions, will help create a greener, more accessible high street with safer crossings, improved lighting and more space for pedestrians. These changes will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike, and we look forward to seeing the transformation begin.”
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Brent Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said:
“I know that residents will be delighted at the huge investment that has been secured to make Kilburn High Road greener, more accessible, and better for pedestrians. Residents have been crying out for investment here, so I am very excited to work closely with Camden and Westminster councils, and TfL.”
Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman said:
“Creating greener and safer streets in London will enable more people to choose active travel to get around, and it’s fantastic to see Camden, Brent and Westminster working together to tackle the joint challenge of safety on Kilburn High Road.
“This funding shows the Mayor’s commitment to improving safety in the public realm and will deliver key improvements on Kilburn High Road such as the widening of pavements, new protected cycle crossings and pocket parks. We look forward to continuing working with these three boroughs to build a better, safer and greener London for everyone.”
The consultation, undertaken between July and August 2024 asked ‘Overall, what are your feelings about the proposed scheme?’, with 82% of responses being positive. There was also strong support for ‘more trees, pocket parks and planting’ and ‘wider pavements, more pedestrian crossing and continuous pavements’
Camden and Brent councils have already spent over £1.5 million on upgrading paving, lighting and street furniture in the upper section of Kilburn High Road, as an earlier phase of the overall scheme. Construction was also recently completed in the lower section, including a protected cycle lane and new street furniture funded by Camden and Westminster councils and TfL.
The next phase of construction is scheduled to start next summer.