This summer we consulted on making the trial permanent, as well as seeking views on a potential expansion of the traffic-free area.

Following this consultation and the wider improvements in the area, it has been agreed that the changes trialled are now permanent.

In the most recent consultation, 57% of everyone who responded agreed with the proposal to make the pedestrianisation permanent, with 51% of those living in the Camden Town area agreeing.

Councillor Slater continued:

“You told us about further improvements that you would like to see in the Camden Town area including more reliable bus services, improved safety, cleanliness and decluttering the area.

“Some of you also felt that bus services have been impacted. Better bus journeys around Camden Town are very important to us – that's why we will be introducing a trial bus lane on Kentish Town Road with the aim of speeding up northbound bus journeys.  

“Some respondents also told us they wanted to see more safety improvements on the High Street. We will also be introducing additional new community safety patrols as part of a £1 million investment in Community Safety Officer patrols around Camden’s town centres.  

“In response to feedback about cleanliness, we will also be carrying out a deep clean of the high street in the coming weeks.

“We also heard that many of you are open to the idea of the pedestrianisation being extended over the Camden Lock bridge towards the junction with Chalk Farm Road. We will therefore be developing and testing a design for a potential extension over the next few months, and we will publish further information next spring to seek your views on it.” 

The current trial pedestrianisation layout between the Britannia Junction and the junction with Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent have now become permanent. The temporary barriers currently at each end of the pedestrianised area will be replaced with new permanent barriers early next year.

• During the trial, we received useful feedback, gathered important data, and tried out some exciting events and activities. What we found:  
  • Overall levels of people walking on Camden High Street remained stable, with more space providing a more comfortable experience. 
  • Spending in businesses has remained in line with pre-trial levels, both during the daytime and the evening peak period. 
  • We used the extra space to host six main cultural events that brought in an estimated total of 3,600 attendees and the contributions of 183 artists, showcasing Camden’s rich culture.
  • Overall, the Camden High Street pedestrianised area and surrounding roads saw an average of 14.4% lower levels of harmful NO₂ across all monitoring sites in the area for the year after the trial was implemented, compared to the previous year prior to implementation.
  • Road safety improved in the Camden High Street area, with no collisions reported on Camden High Street in the nine months following the start of the trial (within the pedestrianised area and the northern section to Chalk Farm Road), compared to six collisions in the corresponding nine months the previous year before the start of the trial.
  • There were lower recorded instances of antisocial behaviour, pickpocketing and other crimes and no evidence of crime displacing to other neighbouring areas. 

• For more information visit: Keep in Touch with Latest News - Camden High Street - Commonplace
• The trial scheme formed part of our plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood in Camden Town, backed by £5m of TfL Borough Safer Streets funding.
• More than 70% of people in a public consultation held in 2024 said they supported pedestrianisation and the proposal to trial a motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street. Over the course of the trial, we then carried out extensive engagement with the community to understand their views, including via a Commonplace survey and outreach with underrepresented groups around the borough.
• The trial saw the removal of motor vehicles on Camden High Street, from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, in front of Camden Town Underground station, up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent. Buses towards Chalk Farm now travel along Kentish Town Road and then Hawley Crescent before continuing northward.

Camden has awarded a contract to Carbon Heroes, a London-based urban nature infrastructure platform, to channel private sector investment into the borough’s trees. Suppliers bidding for Camden contracts can fund the planting, aftercare and welfare of trees across the borough as part of their social value commitments.

Suppliers bidding on Camden contracts can choose to use Carbon Heroes to design a nature-based social value strategy for the borough — choosing from new tree planting, young tree aftercare and mature tree welfare.

Carbon Heroes then quantifies the social, environmental and economic value of every commitment in pounds, with Camden planting and maintaining the trees. Every tree is logged in a registry with species, location, planting date, condition and social value contribution.

Councillor Slater continued:

“We know that trees are vital, helping make the urban environment more liveable and providing part of our response to the climate emergency.

“Our tree planting strategy sets out how we are increasing the tree canopy cover in Camden, maintaining species diversity, and ensuring a healthy population of trees.

“This additional funding will help us to reach our aim to increase the canopy cover in the borough to over 26% by 2045.”

Between 2017 and 2023:

• The number of trees in Camden increased from 25,890 to 28,461.
• The total carbon storage increased from 10,800 tonnes to 13,600 tonnes.
• The annual carbon sequestration (the net amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere by biomass within a single calendar year through photosynthesis) increased from 207 tonnes/yr to 231 tonnes/yr.

This will help support our communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change, taking climate action that also helps residents to lower their energy bills.

The scheme aims to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of a property to at least a 'C' once the improvements have been installed.

Eligible homeowners or renters, with landlord permission, can get free measures including insulation upgrades; ventilation and damp-prevention measures; solar panels and low carbon heating systems – including air source heat pumps.

Camden is a member of the London Consortium, made up of 30 other London boroughs and led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils. We are working with other London boroughs to deliver the scheme in a co-ordinated, efficient approach.

What can be funded

If you are applying as a homeowner or a private tenant, you are not required or expected to make any contributions to the cost of upgrades.

If you’re applying as a landlord, you can apply for multiple eligible homes. You may be able to receive full funding for one home, but you must pay 50% of upgrade costs for any additional homes upgraded after the first. Tenants are not required or expected to pay for upgrade costs.

The aim of the scheme is to boost the EPC rating of your home to at least a 'C' once the improvements have been installed. Measures that could be funded include:

• insulation upgrades
• Ventilation and damp-prevention measures
• Solar panels
• Low Carbon Heating – including air source heat pumps

Check your eligibility

To qualify for the Warm Homes: Local Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

• your home must be in England
• you must own your home or rent from a private landlord (with landlord permission).
• your home must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G. You can find your EPC out when you apply or check your home’s energy certificate on GOV.UK.
• Your total savings are less than £25,000 including money in bank accounts, ISAs, and other savings. If you have £25,000 or more in savings, you cannot get help from this scheme unless someone in your property is eligible for Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
• your home must be located within one of the government’s priority postcodes. Check whether your postcode qualifies here.

Check your eligibility now and apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant

Or

• you have a gross household income below £36,000 a year or at least one resident on a means-tested benefit including housing benefit, job seekers allowance, pension credit or universal credit.

This year’s categories are:

• Best front garden - this could be a front garden of any size, balcony or window box
• Best community food growing – share the story of your shared food growing project
• Best sheltered housing garden – for residents in sheltered housing for a garden of any size, balcony or window box
• Best community nature garden – for communal gardens with a focus on wildlife
• Camden young gardener – for green-fingered Camden residents under 18
• Treemendous Trees Award – for anyone watering trees in public spaces
• Best Community Rain Garden – for community managed rain gardens in public spaces

Thanks to our sponsors, Camden Garden Centre and Treehab, winners will receive Camden Garden Centre vouchers as well as other prizes. They will also be invited to a ceremony at the Town Hall with the Mayor of Camden. 

Entries close on Monday 31 August. For more information and to enter, visit: www.camden.gov.uk/camden-in-bloom

We are now consulting on making the trial permanent, seeking views on a potential expansion to the traffic free area and want to hear from you.

During the trial, we have been collecting feedback through our Commonplace page along with our own monitoring to better understand how the scheme was working.

Councillor Slater continued:

“The comprehensive and detailed feedback that we have received from residents, businesses and visitors, along with our monitoring, has helped us to better understand what people feel about the trial and therefore we are consulting on making the trial permanent and also on a potential extension to the traffic free area.

“If the trial is made permanent, this could provide opportunities to replace the large barriers with a smart bollard system and make further improvements to the look and feel of the street, through more level surfaces, benches and planting. We would work with the local community to further refine these plans.

“Many residents have told us that they want to go even further on pedestrianising Camden High Street, so we will also be seeking views on extending the area across Camden Lock bridge and up to the junction with Castlehaven Road. 

“This could include a range of improvements for people walking, wheeling and cycling, as well as more public space and outdoor seating for local businesses.

“Whether or not you responded to the earlier survey, we want to hear your views on our proposals for the future of Camden High Street. The consultation will run for six weeks from Monday 13 July to Sunday 23 August. and I urge all residents, businesses and visitors to respond.”

Once the consultation is complete and we have reviewed all the feedback received, this will then be considered alongside monitoring data collected during the trial as well as council policies.

Camden will then decide whether to make the pedestrianised area permanent or end the trial.

If we decide to make the trial permanent, we will also consider the feedback received on the expanded traffic-free zone to inform the designs for this area. We will invite further comments on these designs for the potential extended area through a further public consultation in 2027.

During the trial, we have also heard about wider issues and ideas that would benefit Camden Town as a whole. If you have got more to say, we are running a separate consultation on a vision for Camden Town that will help guide investment and collaboration on future projects in the area. Play your part – share your views in the Camden Town Vision consultation today.

Feedback through our Commonplace page  received during the trial and data received from external independent monitoring that we commissioned have shown:

• People told us that removing traffic has made walking in and around the area more comfortable
• Data shows that the amount that people spend on businesses in the pedestrianised area has remained at consistent levels
• Visitor footfall – meaning the number of people measured walking on the high street – has remained mostly the same.
• Roads around Camden High Street did not see higher traffic levels overall
• Clear improvements in air quality on Camden High Street, with no significant effect on air quality on nearby roads
• Overall levels of crime fell over the course of the trial

The trial scheme forms part of our plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood in Camden Town, backed by £5m of TfL Borough Safer Streets funding.

Over 70% of people in a public consultation held in 2024 said they supported pedestrianisation and the proposal to trial a motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street.

The trial has seen the removal of motor vehicles on Camden High Street, from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, in front of Camden Town Underground station, up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent. Buses towards Chalk Farm now travel along Kentish Town Road and then Hawley Crescent before continuing northward.

The high-level ideas for an expanded zone

• An extended pedestrianised zone on Camden High Street between Hawley Crescent and the junction with Castlehaven Road, with two-way cycling to link Arlington Road with Castlehaven Road and Chalk Farm Road.
• A new pedestrianised zone on Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent, between Arlington Road and Stucley Place. This would create a more flexible space which can be used for business spill-out, seating, tables and chairs licences, events, etc.
• New timed loading and servicing access arrangements on Hawley Crescent and Jamestown Road. This means that at quieter times of the day, businesses can still use this space for loading and servicing.
• Bus improvement changes on Kentish Town Road from Hawley Crescent, north to Castle Road, to support diverted buses and bus journey times.  

Camden is committed to promoting sustainable travel options but understands how inappropriate parking of dockless hire bikes can block access to footways for residents and businesses and in doing so cause unnecessary and inconvenient street clutter.

To this end the newly agreed procurement strategy places a greater emphasis on service quality to ensure the best possible dockless bike hire operation for our communities, and strengthens the obligations for monitoring, reporting and enforcing services from the companies involved.

Camden currently has contracts with two operators which started in June 2023 and end in June 2027. These new contracts are needed to ensure residents and visitors to Camden have continued access to dockless hire bikes. The duration of the contracts will be five years from June 2027, including a break clause after two years.

Camden continues to robustly enforce a no tolerance approach; our team have been busy enforcing the removal and storage of obstructive bikes as part of their regular inspections as well as issuing Fixed Penalty Notices if appropriate.

The primary aim of this enforcement approach is to encourage operators to take greater responsibility for how their bikes are parked and to respond quickly when bikes are reported as being parked irresponsibly. The new contracts provide an opportunity to strengthen and improve our dockless bike hire operations in the Borough.

• You can read more information regarding the procurement strategy online. This decision is subject to a call-in period.
• To date, the council have created a comprehensive network of 226 dedicated dockless hire bike parking bays, the majority of which are on the carriageway to protect valuable pedestrian space and are continuing to build out that network.
• To date 2,001 bikes have been impounded – using the council’s powers under Section 149 of the Highways Act 1980, which allow the council to remove items causing obstruction on the highway and to recover the costs of removal and storage from operators. Under this process, operators are charged £150 per bike removed and £25 per day for the storage of each bike. The council has also issued 57 Fixed Penalty Notices issued to operators since August 2025 under Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 for obstruction of the highway. Camden’s approach is to give operators at least two hours’ notice to remove a poorly parked bike before a FPN is issued. In most cases bikes are moved within that period.
• Dockless hire bikes contribute towards the Camden Transport Strategy Delivery Plan, Camden Clean Air Action Plan 2023-2026 and the latest Camden Climate Action Plan (2026-2030)

The Council served breach of condition notices requiring their removal in March this year. This follows the successful removal of 19 phone boxes on Tottenham Court Road in 2023.

With the growth in mobile phone ownership, use of public telephone boxes has declined. Seldom used, many are now largely redundant with low call numbers and in a poor condition which often attracts vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

We will continue to work proactively to identify unused or neglected telephone boxes and take appropriate action to seek their removal.

The six notices were issued to BT phone boxes, and the following five have now been removed

• EN25/0140 - pavement outside 18 Bayham Street
• EN25/0141 - pavement outside 88 Camden High Street
• EN25/0959 - pavement outside 88 Camden High Street
• EN25/0142 - pavement outside 99-101 Camden High Street
• EN25/0945 - pavement outside 99 -101 Camden High Street

The BT phone box on the pavement outside 10 Chalk Farm Road (EN25/0893) is expected to be removed in due course, following the removal of the other unauthorised phone boxes in the area. The Council continues to engage with BT regarding its removal.

Under Condition A.2 (2) of Part 24 Class A of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended), telecommunications apparatus must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable once it is no longer required for telecommunications purposes. The notices require BT to remove the public call boxes and repair the pavement.

“We believe in bringing people together and our focus will always be on strengthening the sense of community and belonging that makes Camden such a special place. We are proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary – we welcome those fleeing conflict, disaster and persecution and we help them to rebuild their lives with Camden as their home.

"This march will have a direct impact on neighbourhoods and businesses located on the route, but it will also bring concern all across our Borough. In Camden we stand together against hate, division and hostility.

“We witnessed violent scenes and deeply concerning rhetoric during a similar march in September - this goes against everything our Borough stands for. Along with our partners, we will be there for our communities, to protect them and support them. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our residents against all forms of hate and division.”

To report a hate crime

• If someone is in danger call the Police on 999. For non-emergencies call 101 or visit your local police station.
• For information on how to report online through the Police and trusted partner organisations, visit: www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
• Call the Council on 020 7974 4444.
• Even if you don’t report a hate crime straight away, please do report it.

Things you can do to support others in your community 

• Check in on each other: Even a small gesture like checking in on a neighbour can go a long way.
• Report your concerns: If you witness hateful behaviour, please report it and ask the affected person or people if they are ok if it’s safe to do so.
• Take care of yourself: If you experience hateful behaviour or a hate crime, please get support – see more information on this above.
• Stay connected: Camden is home to supportive voluntary and community sector organisations, faith buildings, libraries and other places where you can go to relax, meet up with others and get involved in free or low-cost activities. Find out more at: www.camden.gov.uk/WarmWelcome

We work closely with the police throughout the year to monitor events and protests and Council staff will be on duty throughout the day. The following arrangements are in place:

• Police presence throughout the Kings Cross and Euston Corridor, as well as the route of the demonstration and key sites along the route.
• Police and Camden licensing officers have visited establishments within the Kings Cross and Euston corridor to ensure steps are taking to keep people safe, including serving drinks in plastic cups and adhering to licensing legislation. Some establishments have decided to close.
• Camden’s environmental services will be cleaning streets along the route after the protest

The measures agreed are:

• Offering a two-year waiver on parking permit fees for car club operators deploying vehicles at new car club locations, including non-electric vehicles.
• Adopting a standard Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the basis on which car club operators are permitted to operate.
• For residents who are members of our Permit2CarClub scheme, we will remove any restrictions applied to their council parking accounts that previously prevented them for applying for a residential parking permit due to scheme participation.

The first phase of potential blocks for this investment has been identified. These will undergo detailed assessment to confirm they are suitable ahead of solar panels and battery storage being fitted so that residents can benefit from lower bills. Future phases will consider other measures such as heat pumps.

We also launched our new Climate Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 in January. Building on our achievements of our previous action plan, we have set out a comprehensive framework for how we will work with our partners and communities to reduce emissions, build the borough’s climate resilience and at the same time improve the day-to-day lives of our residents.

The blocks identified for the initial investigation are:

Over the last five years, the council’s now-complete Green Space Investment Programme delivered over £12m of capital investment into Camden green spaces, including accessibility changes during that period. To achieve this, the council identified which parks needed the most investment and then matched available funding, including Section 106 secured by the council from local construction development, Local Community Infrastructure Levy, and other sources.

Our new Green Space Investment Programme continues our successful approach of identifying areas in Camden most at need and then matching funding sources to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“Through the Green Space Investment Programme, we have already delivered a wide range of projects that have directly addressed inclusivity and accessibility. These include step-free access to St Pancras Gardens, Waterlow Park and Harben Estate Multi Use Games Area; landscape improvements and a new accessible toilet at Talacre Town Green; and sensory and accessible play equipment at Hilgrove Estate and Antrim Gardens.

“Our extensive Green Space Survey, which we held last year, has helped us to better understand some of the barriers that can hinder access to our green spaces and the benefits they offer. These insights are guiding our planned improvements as an integral part of our investment programme, hand in hand with engaging with residents on specifically on each individual project.”

Forthcoming accessibility improvements to our green spaces include:

• Kilburn Grange play area – Accessible play equipment to be added to the junior playground, as well as sensory planting
• Cantelowes Gardens – Accessible play equipment to be added and refurbishing the playground
• Maygrove Peace Park – Accessible outdoor gym equipment to be installed and handrail fitted to steps
• Russell Nurseries – Improved access and handrails fitted
• Primrose Gardens – Introducing step-free access into the park with improved surfacing in the central area 

For more information on parks and green spaces in Camden visit: Parks and green spaces - Camden Council

With the growth in mobile phone ownership, use of public telephone kiosks has declined. Seldom used, many are now largely redundant with low call numbers and in a poor condition which often attracts vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

This follows the successful removal of 19 phone boxes on Tottenham Court Road in 2023.

We will continue to work proactively to identify unused or neglected call boxes and take appropriate action where necessary to improve the borough’s streets and public realm.

The six notices have been issued to the following BT phone boxes:

• EN25/0893 - pavement outside 10 Chalk Farm Road
• EN25/0140 - pavement outside 18 Bayham Street
• EN25/0141 - pavement outside 88 Camden High Street
• EN25/0959 - pavement outside 88 Camden High Street
• EN25/0142 - pavement outside 99-101 Camden High Street
• EN25/0945 - pavement outside 99 -101 Camden High Street

Under Condition A.2 (2) of Part 24 Class A of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended), telecommunications apparatus must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable once it is no longer required for telecommunications purposes. The notices require BT to remove the public call boxes and repair the pavement.

Henderson Court is a sheltered accommodation block in Camden comprising of 72 flats. A project to install solar photovoltaic panels, funded by the Council was completed in the summer 2025.

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said:

“The work at Henderson Court to install solar panels will help to support families save money on their energy bills, tackle the climate emergency, and ensure every Londoner has a warm, safe, home.

“This project is improving the energy efficiency of Londoners' homes, reducing bills, cutting carbon, and building a greener and fairer city for everyone.”

314 solar panels were installed at Henderson Court, with the electricity generated directly supplied to residents, reducing their energy bills by approximately £250 per home.

The yearly total generated for the solar array is expected to be 118MWh, offsetting over 55 tonnes of carbon.

The project was financed through Camden’s first ‘Climate Bond’, a community municipal investment, which raised £1m of social finance from across the UK to help support Camden’s climate programme. 

Henderson Court was one of four projects funded by the municipal investment model. Looking ahead, in the next three years we will be installing more solar panels from the Social Housing Fund Wave 3.

Both open spaces have undergone a full transformation, creating greener, safer and more welcoming environments. The completed improvements include:

Polygon Road Open Space

• New accessible paths and surfacing
• Upgraded lighting to help improve visibility and the sense of safety
• New play equipment and surfacing in the play area and refurbished outdoor gym facilities, suitable for all ages
• Extensive new planting and additional trees, enhancing biodiversity

• New park furniture, including seating and bins

   

Purchese Street Open Space

• New landscaping and planting
• Improved paths and surfacing
• Improved seating and amenity areas,
• A new dog exercise area
• New exercise equipment, including a space to play basketball and other ball games

Councillor Harrison continued:

“Funded through a combination of our Green Space Investment Programme, along with Local Community Infrastructure Levy funding kindly provided by ward councillors, the Green Space Investment Programme continues our successful approach of identifying areas in Camden most at need and then matching funding sources to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.”

St Pancras and Somers Town Ward Councillors said:

“We are delighted to announce the completion of the improvements at Polygon Road and Purchese Street Open Spaces. 

“These highly valued parks, cherished by the local community, have been transformed with a refreshed layout and design, giving the area a vibrant new look.

“The upgraded green spaces are now open to the public, providing a welcoming environment for relaxation, recreation, and community activities. We hope these improvements will enhance wellbeing and foster greater enjoyment of the outdoors for everyone in the area.”

Deborah Saunt, Founding Director of DSDHA, designers of both open spaces said:

“The transformation of Central Somers Town brings together the formerly divided parks into a single open landscape, which will allow children to run freely from one end to the other, while the school, community centre and additional homes along its edge help ensure communal safety through ‘eyes on the street’ and clearer lines of sight.

“The newly created park is a result of close collaboration with residents to design a lively heart for their neighbourhood, and we hope it will be seen as a living example of how working with and listening to local people can result in a space that better reflects their needs.”  

The Kentish Town Neighbourhood Space will be located in the former Community Law Centre at 2 Prince of Wales Road. Set over three floors, it will build on the success of the ‘Civic Action Lab’ pilot currently occupying the building.

The project is funded through the Council’s successful Levelling Up Fund bid, alongside support from the City of London Affordable Workspace Programme, the Council’s Section 106 Carbon Offset fund, and Council capital investment.

The retrofit of the building aims to begin on site this summer and is scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2027.

• All images should be credited to IF_DO Architects

Highlights from 2025 include:

Camden High Street Pedestrianisation trial launch

Launched in May 2025, the 18-month trial has created a thriving space in the heart of Camden Town. Engagement and monitoring are underway, with strong early signals of improved safety and vibrancy. A consultation will be held this year to allow people to shape potential future permanent proposals.

Safer junctions delivered

Key locations such as Chalk Farm Road/Adelaide Road and Baynes Street/Royal College Street have had significant safety upgrades, including continuous pavements which show priority of people walking and wheeling and safer and dedicated signals for people cycling.

Over 5km of new and upgraded cycle infrastructure

Camden now provides over 25km of segregated cycle lanes, with a further 5.5km moving through design and construction aiming to bring the total to 30km by the end of 2026. We are currently constructing permanent, fully protected cycle tracks on Haverstock Hill and Clerkenwell Road.

Giving road space back to people

This includes 153 new Electric Vehicle Charging Points, 89 new cycle hangars, and 10 new dockless bike/e-scooter bays delivered in 2025. The first rollout of Green Mobility Hubs in Somers Town is underway which include car club spaces, Electric Vehicle Charge Points, dockless parking, cycle stands, cargo bikes and more planting.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“Projects such as these have assisted in our overall goals with increases in walking, up to 52% of all trips made in the borough - exceeding our 2041 target early, and active - travel - walking and cycling - which is now 57% of all resident trips made in the borough.

“These changes have led to a reduction of traffic volumes by almost 40% in the last 20 years, which has had in turn the further benefit of reducing harmful road transport emissions, with Nox reduced by 64%, CO₂ by 31% and PM₂.₅ by 52%.

“But we aren’t finished. We are committed to continue to deliver improvements across the borough which make it easier and safer for people to travel, from major transformational projects like Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood to local level improvements like adding planting and benches to Haverstock Hill.”

In 2019, we declared a Climate Emergency and held the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly on the climate crisis. This put our citizens alongside the Council at the centre of rising to the climate challenge.

The resulting Climate Action Plan for 2020-25 generated new levels of community-led climate action across Camden. Importantly, it helped us leverage over £35 million of external funding, among other things to finance our energy-efficiency retrofit programme for buildings.

This has helped to cut carbon dioxide emissions across our own estate and operations by 64.5%, excluding housing, while borough wide emissions have reduced by 52%.

The new Climate Action Plan for 2026-2030 builds on these achievements and goes further to support our communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change, taking climate action that helps residents to lower their energy bills, save money by reusing and repairing household items, have cleaner air in their homes and create green spaces across the borough by:

• Supporting residents to manage the cost of living through helping them access energy saving improvements and low carbon heating systems, including retrofit, saving money on people's bills.
• Working with partners to help them have more energy efficient and climate resilient buildings and operations – including Camden businesses, schools, community buildings, health centres, hospitals and care homes, for example through retrofit, net zero carbon building design and climate action projects.
• Installing more green infrastructure including rain gardens and tree pits and increasing amount of climate-adapted green open space, including for food growing.
• Providing funding and knowledge to empower schools, businesses and communities to address emissions and build their resilience to extreme heat and flooding locally.

Several exciting updates have been introduced as the Camden Climate Fund re-opens for 2026. We have updated the climate action project eligibility criteria so that we can support climate adaptation and resilience projects that deliver carbon savings, helping us to recognise our vision of a climate-ready borough.

We know that feasibility assessments are vital for informing businesses of their options for improving energy efficiency and cutting costs, making them more likely to progress with retrofit works. And so, an allowance of up to 10% of an award to SME businesses and community organisations undertaking energy efficiency improvement works can go towards covering the cost of a feasibility study.

Finally, we have updated our terms and conditions, application forms and created a new FAQ document, simplifying the application process and providing clarity on eligibility for those applying for funding for retrofit measures.

• Notable projects over the past five years include the community led Somers Town Future Neighbourhood climate action programme, major energy efficiency projects at Swiss Cottage Library, Highgate Library, Talacre Leisure Centre and Acland Burghley school, and our successful community energy partnership which has seen solar installed at Hampstead, Parliament Hill and Regent High schools.
• From November 2024 through to May 2025, we carried out extensive community engagement with residents including young people, businesses, community groups and some of the original Citizens’ Assembly members to help shape the new Climate Action Plan for 2026-30.
• The community told us that they were already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis, noting the extreme summer heat of recent years and the increasing rate of surface water flooding, and need support to build their resilience with a focus on those most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis.
• The community also told us how action on climate could help respond to pressing cost of living and public health concerns by reducing household energy costs, making it safer and easier to walk and cycle around Camden and by providing sharing-economy focused offers such as the Library of Things service at Swiss Cottage and Kentish Town libraries, that reduce the need to buy new household goods.    

Princes Circus sits at the junction of High Holborn, Shaftesbury Avenue and New Oxford Street and is a key walking and cycling route between Covent Garden and the British Museum in Bloomsbury.

The £40 million West End Project is a Camden transformation scheme around Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street and Princes Circus. The scheme has delivered real change by responding to key local issues including traffic congestion, road safety, narrow pavements, poor air quality and a lack of green space.

The fountain was originally installed in 1879 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 60th year on the throne, before being moved in 2003 as part of a previous development.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“The West End Project, the largest transformational scheme ever to take place in the borough, is providing a range of tangible benefits for those who live, work and commute through the area.

“We have improved the biodiversity and environment, reduced motor vehicle congestion, as well as attracting more people to enjoy the area and its local businesses, to highlight just a few of the many achievements.

“However, we are not resting on our laurels and have recently shared our latest sketch ideas for the transformational Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood, working in partnership with Transport for London.

“I would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far on our ideas to make Holborn a place for people, with safer streets for pedestrians and people cycling, more trees and plants and cleaner air.

“All your comments have helped to shape a new set of sketches, which you can now explore and comment on online on our commonplace website.

“This conversation will run until Sunday 1 March, so there is still time to provide your feedback, ideas and thoughts and we will continue to improve and develop our plans based on this ahead of a more detailed full public consultation scheduled for Autumn 2026.”

For more information on the West End Project, you can visit the website: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject

The West End Project in facts and figures

Reducing congestion across the area by introducing two-way roads

• Up to a 71% reduction in traffic on Tottenham Court Road during restricted hours.
• Up to a 41% reduction in traffic on Tottenham Court Road out of the restricted hours.
• Up to a 46% reduction in traffic on Gower Street.

Making bus journeys more efficient with bus and cycle only areas on Tottenham Court Road

• Bus routes 24, 29, 73 and 390 are all now quicker.

Helping cyclists take advantage of the new cycling facilities

• Around 2.6km of new cycle lanes including segregated cycle lanes on Gower/Bloomsbury Street.
• Percy Street and Stephen Street saw an average of 3133 cycling journeys on a weekday.
• Warren Street Santander Cycle dock saw its highest ever number of loans with 3028 in July 2021.

Emergency Services response times remain unaffected by the project

• London Fire Brigade have not noticed any negative impact, and their attendance times have got 8% quicker from Euston Fire Station.

Improving air quality

• Air quality is better now than in 2018. When comparing the bias-adjusted annual means at each site, 2021 concentrations are lower, and therefore improved. In 2018, 17 of 18 sites were above the Air quality objectives levels whereas in 2021, only 5 of 19 sites were above the objectives levels which shows significant improved annual mean concentrations.

Attracting more people to enjoy the area and its local businesses

• Tottenham Court Road saw 1million footfall for a week for the first time in Fitzrovia ever in the summer after our works completed in 2019.
• New seating has been added along on Tottenham Court Road to relax and pause.
• New wider pavements across the area creating more room to move easily.

Improving biodiversity and the environment

• 70 new trees including mature trees.
• 3 new public spaces (Princes Circus, Windmill Square and St Giles Square).
• 1 new park at Alfred Place.
• 1 new rejuvenated park at Whitfield Gardens.
• 3 new pocket parks on Tottenham Court Road and 1 on Huntley Street.

Showing the neighbourhood at its best

• Beautiful York stone paving added on Gower/Bloomsbury Street.
• Stunning new granite paving along Tottenham Court Road including large sections widened.

Caring for local heritage. Restoration of the:

• Grade II listed lamp posts restored and reinstalled.
• Grade II listed war memorial restored and added with an improved surrounding.
• Memorial in Whitfield Garden restored and reinstated.
• Fitzrovia Mural restored.
• Grade II listed fountain, restored and reinstalled as an ornamental centre piece.

These will include agreeing the 2026/27 housing budget, with a focus on investing in council homes and setting fair rents, supporting families in need during the school holidays and proposing measures to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by irresponsible drinking in public.

Watch the Cabinet meeting live from 7pm.

Investing in council homes and setting fair rents for residents

Camden’s Cabinet is set to agree the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27. Money raised will be fully reinvested into Camden’s housing to help ensure council homes are well maintained and housing services are delivered to a high standard for residents.  

The money will also be reinvested into home improvements, making properties more energy efficient – so residents will pay less on their energy bills in the long term.

New powers to tackle anti-social behaviour on our streets

Camden’s Cabinet is also set to approve the public consultation of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stop irresponsible alcohol consumption on the streets and in local parks.

The proposal sets out new restrictions and penalties against those causing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces, giving the police and council enforcement officers extra powers to tackle this.

Working together with residents to make Camden a safer place

Camden’s Cabinet will review a report on how the council is involving residents in its work to continue tackling anti-social behaviour across the borough.

Cabinet Members are set to agree to recommendations to help all residents feel safer and have their experiences heard.

Free holiday activities and meals for Camden children set to continue to 2029

Camden’s Cabinet is also set to agree the continuation of the partnership with the Young Camden Foundation as the council’s delivery partner for the Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme to 2029.

The Young Camden Foundation has led the programme since 2021, providing more than 22,000 places for children and young people in Camden during the school holidays. The programme works with voluntary and community organisations, schools and sports clubs to deliver free, fun holiday activities.

Strengthening care and support so that more people can live well in their own homes and neighbourhoods.

Camden’s Cabinet will consider a long-term commissioning strategy for care and support at home services. This approach builds on Camden’s established neighbourhood-based model and learning, strengthening care and support at home so that more people can live well, and age well, in their own homes and neighbourhoods.

LGA gives Camden a positive report in its Corporate Peer Challenge

Camden’s Cabinet will also note a highly positive report from the Local Government Association (LGA) following Camden’s 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge.

The independent review found Camden to be a well-run, high-performing council, with strong leadership, a clear values-led culture and a commitment to working together with residents and partners which is delivering better outcomes for residents.

The full Cabinet meeting agenda and papers for all items can be found online.

Joel Salem, aged 66 of Highview Gardens, Finchley and Judith Veronique Robinson-Dadoun, aged 58, formerly of Brampton Grove, Hendon were both previously found guilty on 16 June 2020 by a judge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, under section 179(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for their failure to comply with an Enforcement Notice for the property at 52 Fortune Green Road in 2020.

In February 2024, they were successfully prosecuted and ordered to pay a fine and full costs.

The appellants converted a property into seven flats, despite permission for only four, and continued to let them for years after enforcement action began. Both were convicted under section 179 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The judge upheld the previous penalties of £262,500 fine and £185,258.73 costs for Joel Salem and a £70,000 fine and £61,752.91 costs for Judith Robinson-Dadoun. Earlier confiscation orders were also confirmed. The appeal was dismissed in full, leaving all fines and costs unchanged.

Lord Justice Fraser described Salem’s conduct as “egregious”, adding:

“Planning enforcement exists to protect tenants from exploitation. These defendants ignored repeated warnings and continued to profit from unlawful lettings over many years.”

The Court rejected arguments that fines were excessive or that the Crown Court lacked power to impose unlimited penalties. Lord Justice Fraser commented:

“The powers of the Crown Court were not limited to those of the Magistrates’ Court. The fines imposed were proportionate given the deliberate and prolonged breaches.”

On costs, the Court noted the appellants’ attempts to conceal assets and delay proceedings. Lord Justice Fraser concluded:

“The very significant costs arose as a direct result of the defendants’ conduct. It would be wholly wrong for Camden’s taxpayers to bear that burden.”

• Following an investigation by the Council’s Planning Department between 2009 and 2010, an Enforcement Notice was served on 6 October 2010, and this was due to be complied with on 18 May 2011. The defendants were required to comply by 17 May 2011. The defendants failed to comply, ignoring repeated written warnings as to the potential consequences. Summonses were served on the defendants on 5 October 2018, alleging that the defendants had acted unlawfully between 19 May 2011 and 7 June 2018. The defendants continued to receive rents until the property was sold, on 29 April 2021.
• The reason for taking enforcement action was summed up within the Notice as follows. The residential units by reason of their size in terms of bedroom numbers and floorspace figured do not provide a suitable mix of residential accommodation to meet housing needs within the Borough or an acceptable standard of living accommodation, contrary to the requirements of policies SD6 (Amenity for occupiers and neighbours), H1 (New Housing) and H8 (Mix of units) of the London Borough of Camden Unitary Development Plan (2006) and residential development standards (Space and room sizes) of the Camden Planning Guidance (2006).

Notable projects over the past five years include the community led Somers Town Future Neighbourhood climate action programme, major energy efficiency projects at Swiss Cottage Library, Highgate Library, Talacre Leisure Centre and Acland Burghley school, and our successful community energy partnership which has seen solar installed at Hampstead, Parliament Hill and Regent High schools.

From November 2024 through to May 2025, we carried out extensive community engagement with residents including young people, businesses, community groups and some of the original Citizens’ Assembly members to help shape the new Climate Action Plan for 2026-30.  

The community told us that they were already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis, noting the extreme summer heat of recent years and the increasing rate of surface water flooding, and need support to build their resilience with a focus on those most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis.

The community also told us how action on climate could help respond to pressing cost of living and public health concerns by reducing household energy costs, making it safer and easier to walk and cycle around Camden and by providing sharing-economy focused offers such as the Library of Things service at Swiss Cottage and Kentish Town libraries, that reduce the need to buy new household goods.    

The zero-carbon agenda therefore remained important and our ambition for zero carbon has also not weakened as a Council. We will therefore continue to lead by example across our own estate and operations through our decarbonisation programme.  We will also continue to play an enabling role to support a zero-carbon borough through our planning policies, heat network improvements, lobbying and Local Area Energy Plan. 

Councillor Harrison continued:

“Camden’s Climate Action Plan 2026–2030 is one of pragmatism, equity, and empowerment that reflects the shared priorities and lived experiences of our communities.  It focuses on building our community’s resilience to a changing climate, while also responding to the climate crisis in a way that helps to meet the day-to-day needs of residents, by improving the energy efficiency of homes and providing services that help to residents to save money and stay healthy while helping to protect the environment.

"It acknowledges the limits of a council-led net zero goal whilst strengthening a commitment to community resilience, social justice, and shared responsibility.

“The Climate Action Plan reaffirms our commitment to a zero carbon Camden by creating the enabling conditions for environmentally sustainable investment and growth.  It also confirms our intention to continue to lead by example of the decarbonisation agenda, building on the success of our Council led zero carbon programme which has seen carbon emissions fall by 64.5% since 2010 across our estate.”

On Wednesday 10 December, Cabinet signed off the council’s new Green Space Investment Programme for 2026-2030. This programme will invest in places ranging from Russell Square Gardens to community locations like greening outside West Hampstead Library.

Over the last five years, the outgoing Green Space Investment Programme delivered over £12m of capital investment into Camden green spaces. To achieve this, the council identified which parks needed the most investment and then matched available funding, including Section 106 secured by the council from local construction development, Local Community Infrastructure Levy, and other sources.

Notable projects from this period include resurfacing the path and providing wheelchair and pushchair accessibility into St Pancras Gardens, greening up Compton Close in the Regent’s Park Estate, and building in water-soaks along Goldhurst Terrace to help alleviate flooding.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“The new Green Space Investment Programme continues our successful approach of identifying areas in Camden most at need and then matching funding sources to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.

“From Fortune Green to Pond Square to Brooke’s Market, we want to make sure every corner of the borough benefits from new and improved parks and gardens.”

This project is part of our plans to create 45km of segregated cycle lane in Camden by 2028, allowing us to improve and upgrade several major traffic junctions in the area. This scheme will help deliver the Mayor of London’s, and Camden’s, “Vison Zero” goal for road safety – for there to be no killed or seriously injured casualties on our roads by 2041.

We have created a dedicated commonplace website where you can share your views and help shape the plans at www.crosscamdencycleway.commonplace.is    

The website is open for comments and feedback until January 2026. Your ideas will help feed into detailed proposals which we will undertake a full public consultation on later in 2026.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 12 November 2025, District Judge Baker found Zoe Chan, aged 40, of 111 Frognal guilty of carrying out unauthorised works to a Grade II* listed property at 111 Frognal, NW3. The works, which involved extensive alterations to the cellar, were undertaken without listed building consent and caused irreversible harm to the historic fabric of the building.

The property, part of a former stable block dating back to the mid-18th century, is of exceptional architectural and historic interest. The unauthorised works included the removal of the original ground floor and the installation of reinforced concrete walls and flooring, permanently obscuring historic brickwork.

District Judge Baker imposed a fine of £48,000, along with costs of £21,841.71 and a surcharge of £2,000, bringing the total payable to £71,841.71 within six months.

District Judge Baker commented, in their sentencing note:
"I am satisfied so that I am sure that Ms Chan, a professional woman with experience in property development and experience in working with professionals both instructed by her and within Local Authorities, was reckless in failing to ask the relevant question – ‘do I need permission."

• 111 Frognal is part of a terrace of houses built around the 1750s and is listed Grade II*, a designation applied to only 5.8% of listed buildings, recognising them as buildings of “more than special interest”.
• The works were undertaken without listed building consent and included lining the cellar with concrete, dry-lining, and installing modern services – removing historic features.
• An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was unsuccessful, with the Planning Inspector finding that less intrusive measures were available.

The ‘Engine Off, Every Stop’ campaign is part of the Idling Action London project, delivered with funding from the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund. The project aims to tackle avoidable engine idling, a significant contributor to local air pollution and climate change.

The Idling Action London project and its expected outcomes align with Camden’s Clean Air Action Plan and our long-term Clean Air Strategy, which seeks to realise the vision for a borough with clean air for everyone. The campaign aims to improve public awareness of the avoidable dangers to health caused by idling petrol and diesel vehicles and encourages drivers to turn off their engines when parked to cut air pollution. The campaign highlights that air pollution is an “invisible killer” and is dangerous for all Londoners. While drivers of some vehicles like ambulances and waste collection vehicles cannot operate without leaving their engines on, all other non-exempt vehicles must not be left idling, and the drivers of these vehicles are the focus of the campaign.

Impacts of idling on public health

Idling vehicles emit pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), which are linked to asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis and cancer. People with respiratory conditions, the elderly, pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable.

Outdoor air pollution in the UK has substantially reduced in recent years. According to Air Quality in London 2016-2024 Report, average annual roadside NO₂ concentrations in London dropped by nearly half (49%) between 2016 and 2023. However, research shows that there are no safe levels of exposure to air pollution. The Royal College of Physicians’ 2025 update report ‘A breath of fresh air: responding to the health challenges of modern air pollution’ estimates that about 30,000 lives will be lost to air pollution in 2025. It is estimated that every year more than 4,000 Londoners die prematurely from long-term exposure to air pollution. The RCP also estimated that the cost of healthcare, productivity losses and reduced quality of life due to air pollution cost the UK more than £27 billion and potentially as much as £50 billion if including wider impacts such as dementia.

This means that it is essential that we continue to reduce pollution from all sources to protect public health and reduce the financial burden on society.

‘Engine Off, Every Stop’ conveys a simple message: simply switching off the engine of a parked vehicle will make an immediate contribution to reducing exposure to unnecessary yet harmful exhaust air pollution.

The campaign, which is expected to reach millions of people across the capital, will ultimately play a part in driving down idling hot-spots and the pollution created by vehicles in London.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at the London Borough of Hounslow, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Camden to jointly lead this London-wide campaign. We’ve set out ambitious targets to slash transport-related air pollution by 2041, and our Air Quality Action Plan has made tackling this issue a priority for our Borough. Raising awareness of the simple changes we can all make in our daily lives, such as remembering to turn engines off while stationary, will help us meet these targets and deliver a cleaner, healthier Hounslow.

“Idling needlessly pumps harmful pollutants into the air, damaging and shortening lives. Just because we can’t always see air pollution, this doesn’t mean it’s not a killer.

“This campaign delivers a crystal-clear message that’s memorable and easy to follow. I hope that this will encourage drivers across London to join us in cracking down on-air pollution by taking one very small, but powerful step - turning their engine off, at every stop.”

Mete Coban MBE, the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy said:

“Engine idling is unnecessary and significantly contributes to toxic air pollution, harming the health of Londoners. Supporting this campaign through the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund is just one of the ways we are improving air quality, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone, tackling pollution around schools and rolling out the largest zero emission bus fleet in Western Europe, as we work to build a safer, greener London for everyone.”

• This round of the Idling Action London project (April 2024- March 2027) is funded by the fourth round of the Mayors Air Quality Fund and is jointly led by the London Borough of Camden and the London Borough of Hounslow on behalf of 21 London local authorities. The public campaign which commenced in January 2025 has already achieved over 60 million combined impressions across radio, online and other out-of-home platforms. The campaign will be revamped for winter 2025 starting in November.
• For more information visit the website: Idling Action

A social enterprise that rents out useful items including drills and sewing machines, the Library of Things is located at Kentish Town and Swiss Cottage libraries and plays an integral part in our drive to reduce the amount of waste that we produce in the borough.

The launch event saw members of the pubic taking the opportunity to try out for free a range of the items for hire and learn more about how they can use them for practical projects at home.

Think & Do also launched their Swiss Cottage library Sharing Space, a place to learn, share skills, and connect with others. 

Councillor Patricia Leman, Deputy Mayor of Camden said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the Library of Things to Swiss Cottage and today’s event was a great practical demonstration of how anyone can cheaply borrow items for projects or home improvements.”

Since the Library of Things came to Camden, over 4,000 people from across the borough have now borrowed 7,396 items, ranging from cleaning, DIY and gardening tools to items for cooking and events.

The Library of Things has also helped people share practical skills like DIY and repair with others in the community.

The Library of Things said:

“We’re really excited to bring Library of Things to Swiss Cottage Library, and to be working in partnership with Think & Do and Camden Council, for a fantastic launch event.

“This was a chance for residents to discover what shared access to tools can unlock, from learning a new skill like repair or DIY to supporting community projects - all the while reducing waste and breaking the cycle of consumerism.

“By offering affordable access to useful household tools and equipment, alongside Think & Do’s inspiring on-site advice and workshops, we’re helping people make sustainable choices that keep more money in their pockets.

“Together with our Kentish Town lockers, this new location means fewer tools gathering dust and more out in the community helping people create, fix and connect.”

The Library of Things offers over 30 useful household, DIY and gardening items for residents to borrow for as little as £1 a day. For more information visit: www.libraryofthings.co.uk 

Entrants had competed in the categories Best Front Garden, Best Community Food Growing, Best Community Nature Garden, and Camden Young Gardeners, with the prizes kindly provided by the Camden Garden Centre, Veolia, and the British Library.

First place winners all received a book plus gift shop items from the British Library, and all finalists received vouchers to use in Camden Garden Centre.

This year’s winners

Best Front Garden was won by Gregory Welsh for his beautiful display of shrubs and flowers in front of his building. Runners up were Minarun Nessa who entered a vibrant edible balcony, and Tim Gerrard’s expertly maintained container garden.

Best Communal Nature Garden category was won by Co-operation Town Community Garden – a Gospel Oak oasis rich with wildflowers, wildlife, and sustainable design. Second place was shared by the adopted tree pits from Hawley & Hartland Community Gardeners, and Savernake Harmony Garden in Gospel Oak. The Friendship Garden by Third Age Project and the Community Peace Garden by Sidings Community Centre came in third with their friendly and inclusive green spaces.

The Best Communal Food Growing category was won by residents of Sidney Boyd Court for transforming redundant space into a thriving fruit and vegetable garden for all ages. The creative “Green Trapezium” growing project by Cressfield and Woodyard Tenants and Residents Association came second, and third place was won by Age UK Great Croft Day Centre for their sensory garden where visitors can touch, smell and taste their way through nature.

David and Daniel Beydoun (both 7 years old) also picked up prizes for turning recycled materials into plant pots and showing a keen interest in the natural world around them.

Confirmed and ratified data for 2024 show that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) air pollution concentrations were on average ten percent lower across Camden’s automatic monitoring portfolio than in 2020, when the effects of the COVID pandemic resulted in significantly reduced motor traffic.

Whilst great progress has been made to clean London’s air, air pollution is still the largest environmental threat to public health in the UK and so it is crucial that the impacts of air pollution and how to reduce your exposure to it are widely understood.

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) a Breath of Fresh Air report highlight the issues still posed by poor air quality. The report highlights new evidence confirming the link between air pollution and almost every organ in the body and the diseases that affect them, with “30,000 deaths per year in the UK estimated to be attributed to air pollution, with an economic cost of £27 billion in the UK due to healthcare costs, productivity losses and reduced quality of life.”

Air quality progress in Camden

By the end 2024, we measured nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) air pollution at 321 diffusion tube sites and four automatic sites.  The 40 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m3) national legal limit for NO₂ was met at all but three of our monitoring locations in the borough; two of these non-compliant sites were along Euston Road and the other on Shaftesbury Avenue.

In 2018 – the year before the introduction of the ULEZ scheme – 98 out of 159 diffusion tube monitoring locations in the borough (62%) exceeded the legal limit. From 2018 to 2024, NO₂ concentrations have reduced by an average 43% at our automatic monitoring sites and 45% across our diffusion tube monitoring sites (where data is available). 2024 was also the first year in which there has not been a recorded exceedance of the short-term (24-hour) PM₁₀ air quality objective in Camden.

Our transport strategy, sustainable travel policies and infrastructure improvements have supported this significant reduction in roadside air pollution throughout the borough.

As well as operating Camden’s extensive monitoring network, our Air Quality team has had a busy year, with the commencement of several projects, including The Year of Clean Air for Camden Schools, Cleaner Filming for Camden, and indoor air quality sensor loans for residents. As well as these, we have either supported or extended existing projects, including the London Wood Burning Project, Idling Action London, and Healthy Waterways London, all with funding support from the Mayor of London. These projects all serve the same ultimate purpose, to ensure Camden is a borough in which no person experiences poor health as a result of the air they breathe.

On Camden’s journey to WHO levels, the council can report that:

• The number of electric vehicles within our fleet has risen five-fold since 2018, with 14% of vehicles now fully electric.
• For the second year in a row, all of our automatic monitoring sites have achieved the 2030 London Mayoral Objective of 10 µg/m³ as an annual average limit for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Despite this, all four monitoring sites are in exceedance of our WHO-aligned PM_2.5 target of 5 μg/m³. The World Health Organization considers there to be no safe threshold of exposure to PM_2.5; we will strive to go beyond the Mayoral Objective and further improve air quality throughout the borough to better protect the health of all who live, work and study in the borough.

Our automatic air quality monitoring data can be found on the London Borough of Camden - Air Quality monitoring service and our diffusion tube data can be viewed on our Open Data platform.

If you are interested in hearing regular updates from Camden’s Air Quality team, you can sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKLBC/subscriber/new

Further information about our air quality work can be found online at: https://www.camden.gov.uk/air-quality

Watch a recording of the Cabinet meeting here.

Camden sets intention to lead Euston Development Corporation  

Cabinet set out its intention to establish a locally-led development corporation (LLDC) for Euston, working closely with the Mayor of London to create a new body that would drive the regeneration of the Euston area - creating thousands of jobs, new homes and economic growth for the UK.

Read the full story.

New homes in Euston

Cabinet agreed plans for the redevelopment of the North of Regent’s Park Estate, including Cartmel, Coniston, Langdale blocks and Stanhope Parade.

With a shortage of good quality, affordable homes in Camden, the Council has been looking into how best to redevelop this area including much-needed affordable housing for residents, including for larger families.

A comprehensive plan for Euston’s future

Cabinet also reviewed the updated Euston Area Plan (EAP) Proposed Submission Draft.

This plan outlines the growth potential and the opportunity to create a quality place that could deliver 2,000 new homes and 10,000 to 17,500 new jobs for existing and new communities alike with, in and around Euston, and has been updated following consultation and engagement.

A bold vision for cultural development

Cabinet considered a vision for the cultural development of the borough to 2031.

This approach will support the cultural sector, grassroots artists, and creative businesses to unlock opportunities that benefit residents and communities, while seeking to protect and strengthen Camden’s identity and global reputation as a leading cultural borough.

The full Cabinet meeting agenda and papers for all items can be found online.

The council engaged with over 1,050 people and received over 3,000 useful insights through a combination of focus groups, pop up sessions and online responses, including a range of focused conversations with people with vision impairments, sensory and physical disabilities.

Feedback included a request for well-maintained new public spaces, that are inclusive and accessible but also creative and unique to the area. Respondents also asked that we provide information and evidence that any plans will not negatively impact on traffic in the wider area.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“I would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far on our ideas to make Holborn a place for people, with safer streets for pedestrians and people cycling, more trees and plants and cleaner air.

“All your comments have helped to shape a new set of sketches, which you can now explore and comment on online on our commonplace website.

“This conversation will run until February 2026, so there is plenty of time to provide your feedback, ideas and thoughts and we will continue to improve and develop our plans based on this ahead of a more detailed full public consultation scheduled for Autumn 2026.”

The competition forms part of Camden Council’s year-long Cultural Programme, developed to support the trial pedestrianisation of Camden High Street. Together with the LFA, the council invited emerging architects, designers and artists to reimagine a key stretch of the high street as a more vibrant, inclusive public realm. The project aims to transform the high street from a place of transit into a place to gather, connect, and celebrate Camden’s diverse community.

Rosa Regina, London Festival of Architecture, said:
“The trial closure offers a chance to test how the street could function as a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and having a built component to the project adds real value alongside cultural programming. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how design competitions and creative interventions in everyday spaces can unlock new ideas, engage local communities, and inform long-term change.”

The Winning Design: Camden subSTRATUM

Camden subSTRATUM reimagines the high street as a civic square that places people and nature at its centre. Developed in response to public consultation, the design introduces inclusive seating, greenery, and sustainable materials to create a welcoming, accessible public space that celebrates Camden Town’s character. 

A continuous, level surface improves accessibility and safety for all. Curving planters ripple through the square, slowing the pace of movement and encouraging moments of rest and connection. Underfoot, a punk stud-inspired pattern radiates from the centre - a subtle tribute to Camden’s iconic musical and cultural heritage.

Seating is made from locally sourced, naturally fallen London oak, with organic edges preserved to reflect the passage of time. Arranged for flexibility - from social gatherings to solo reflection - the design ensures wheelchair users can sit alongside others in comfort and equality.

The planting scheme prioritises resilience and biodiversity. Recycled materials enhance drainage and reduce water use, while local gardeners will continue to care for the evolving landscape.

Two illuminated buoy sculptures, act as playful wayfinding markers that reference Camden’s spirit of exploration.

The project is a celebration of local collaboration: The Castlehaven Community Association leads outreach, engagement, and care of the planting and Camden-based Fallen and Felled supplied and fabricated the timber seating, while Wilkinson & Rivera crafted the wooden hives.

Community and Cultural Programming

Accompanying the installation is a seasonal programme of events that celebrates Camden’s global community and traditions.

Additional community-led events will be supported through an open application process, ensuring the space remains active, inclusive, and responsive to local voices.

 A People-Centred Approach to Regeneration

The Camden subSTRATUM installation is part of the council’s broader strategy for culturally led regeneration, testing how design, creativity and community programming can shape a more welcoming, sustainable, and human-centred high street.

The insights gathered during the pedestrianisation trial will help inform long-term improvements to Camden High Street and the wider public realm, ensuring future development reflects the borough’s creative energy and community spirit.

Additional Information

• The planting scheme features drought-tolerant, edible and aromatic species planted seasonally to sustain pollinators and local wildlife. Recycled materials enhance drainage and reduce water use, while local gardeners will continue to care for the evolving landscape.
• The wayfinding buoys are supported by hand-carved oak and topped with solar-powered lights,  which doubles as a bee habitat, merging design, ecology and craft.
• The programme events will feature a series of seasonal activations.
• Through community engagement and participation, a sensory map has been developed that invites residents and visitors to explore the greenery and wildlife that forms Camden's ecosystem and shows the subSTRATUM installation as part of a wider network of green and blue spaces. 

Dan has been the Executive Director of Housing and Social Investment at Kensington and Chelsea Council for five and a half years, leading their housing service through significant change during that time. Previous to this, Dan started his career in local government at Camden.

The main aims of the Bloomsbury Vision are:

•  To provide an area-based strategy to deliver a green, sustainable, safe and inclusive public realm in Bloomsbury.
• To provide a strategic framework to guide, inform and help develop and prioritise public realm projects in the area.
• To identify opportunities for public realm improvements, highlighting priority projects and plans.
• To encourage and strengthen dialogue between all stakeholders to ensure a holistic and coherent approach to development and change in the area.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“It's vital to gather in the views of residents, workers, students and visitors, to hear how they use and see the future of Bloomsbury.

“The Vision has thus far been drafted in cooperation with the University of London, University College London, Birkbeck and the British Museum, and we are now seeking the views of the wider community.

“A six-week public consultation on the Draft Vision is scheduled to begin on Thursday 30 October 2025 and run until Wednesday 10 December.  I therefore encourage everyone with an interest to complete the online consultation.”

We have expanded our network of cargo bike stations from four to twelve, becoming currently the largest fleet in a London Borough. 

OurBike cargos are parked on street, near a ‘host’ business that looks after the battery charging for each cargo bike, to be booked, ridden and returned to the same spot. Users will have the option of requesting a free training session.

Councillor Harrison continued:

"35 percent of our residences are within a five-minute walk of an OurBike. 

“Bikes can be hired from £5 an hour and new users can try an OurBike for free for an additional hour, on top of the first complimentary hour, using the voucher code new-camden-pr when booking.”

Emma Hughes, Head of Business Development & OurBike Lead at Peddle My Wheels said:

"We’re absolutely delighted to see Camden expand its OurBike fleet from four to twelve community e-cargo bikes — now the largest network in London. This growth is a testament to Camden’s leadership in active travel and its commitment to making sustainable transport an everyday option for residents and businesses alike. We’re proud to be supporting this local cargo bike revolution and look forward to seeing even more people choosing cleaner, cheaper, and more joyful ways to get around their borough."

New hire locations 

• Alfred Place, Fitzrovia
• Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia
• Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross
• Goldington Crescent, Kings Cross
• Camden Road, Camden Town
• Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill
• Weedington Road, Gospel Oak
• Winchester Road, Swiss Cottage 

Existing hire locations 

• Lamb’s Conduit Street, Holborn
• Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town
• Albany Street, Regent’s Park
• Haverstock Hill, Haverstock 

• A limited number of free one-hour hire vouchers are available. Each code can be used once and is valid until 31 December 2025.
• OurBikes in Camden is funded partly through Cross River Partnership (CRP) Healthy Streets Everyday II (HSE II), a three-year project supported by the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund in collaboration with 14 project partners, including Horizon Europe. The project aims to address the issue of over-dependence on private vehicles, and the associated issues of poor Air Quality, Environment, Safety, Health, and Wellbeing across six London boroughs and six London Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

The BALI National Landscape Awards, run annually by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), are the UK’s leading awards for excellence in landscaping. They recognise the very best standards of design, construction, maintenance, and innovation across the landscape industry.

This is the start of a larger plan of investment at Swiss Cottage open space, over the next few years local people can expect to see an additional play for older children, chess and table tennis equipment, a new outdoor gym area, skating plaza (behind the Leisure Centre) and greening improvements to Eton Avenue Market.

More details about the project can be found online: Have Your Say Today - Swiss Cottage Open Space - Commonplace

“I am delighted that the Metropolitan Police have reconsidered its plans to close the front counter at Kentish Town Police Station.

“Camden is famous for its night-time economy, as well as being the home of national and international transport hubs. While this brings great opportunity and vibrancy to the borough, these qualities can make us more vulnerable to higher levels of crime, anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping.

“As the only the police station front counter within Camden, I was concerned that any possible closure would impact our vulnerable residents the most. Many in our community still rely on in-person services and for good reason, such as not having the digital skills or access to report incidents online. Also, cases involving violence against women and girls must be handled with care, sensitivity and a personal approach that digital channels simply can’t provide.

“I look forward to continuing a strong working partnership with the Met for the benefit of all our residents, businesses and visitors.”

In the three years since publishing our Flood Risk Management Strategy, we have made good progress toward enhancing flood risk management in Camden, and we will continue to do what we can to green up our streets.

We have introduced Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) at identified locations across the borough to help mitigate periods of heavy rainfall, while also de-paving streets, turning the grey to green, and continuing to increase the number of new trees and therefore the tree canopy throughout Camden.

We have strong ties with the South Hampstead Flood Action Group, which oversees a Community Flood Plan focusing on infrastructure improvements and awareness raising. We have also worked with residents in South End Green to implement natural flood measures on Hampstead Heath to prevent downstream flooding in residential areas.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“One example is innovative and award-winning SuDS on Parliament Hill, which saw the installation combined with gas mains replacement works in collaboration with Cadent Gas, minimising disruption for residents and people travelling through the area.

“We have also partnered with The City of London, who with our encouragement and support, have installed natural flood management to the south of the East Heath car park, with the goal of slowing rainwater from running off the Heath onto East Heath Road which in turn can contribute to flood risk in South End Green. 

“This work has also been complemented by Camden led improvements to the drainage infrastructure in South End Green itself. Work has involved increasing the openings in a number of identified existing gullies as well as the introduction of new gullies that will maximise the use of an existing large diameter Thames Water combined sewer in the area.

“We also actively monitor all higher risk areas, and our gully crews inspect all drains to ensure they are free of leaves and debris.”

Ongoing and planned work includes the current installation of rain gardens on Goldhurst Terrace, due to be completed in 2026.

You can read more information and advice on dealing with the risk of floods in Camden on our website.

These new chargers will add to the over 550 existing Electric Vehicle chargers in the borough.

Together with Islington Council, Camden has been provisionally assigned Government LEVI funding of over £0.9m to each borough. In Camden this will be used to install a minimum of 500 lamp column charge points. The remaining cost for the installations will be provided by the charge point operator successfully appointed following a bidding exercise. The successful company will supply, install, maintain and operate the charge points.

Councillor Rowena Champion, Islington’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Transport, said:

"In Islington, we’re determined to make tackle climate change and make the borough cleaner and healthier.  

“Islington council has delivered more than 600 publicly accessible charge points and has plans to deliver more in the coming months and years. By making sure we have the infrastructure in place for electric vehicles, we can encourage drivers to make the switch to more environmentally friendly forms of transport, which helps improve air quality across the borough and delivers a huge range of health and wellbeing benefits including a lower risk of developing respiratory illness. Electric vehicles are also cheaper to run than diesel-alternatives.

“By working together with Camden council, we have successfully secured funding from OZEV that is available between 2026 and 2030 and that will provide a significant boost to our works. This funding will contribute to more than 800 additional charge points in Islington to help our residents to continue our green transition to support healthier, greener streets."

Councillor Harrison continued:

“As well as operating the charge points, the appointed operator will be required to become an integral part of both boroughs by providing apprenticeships to Camden and Islington residents, organising skills workshops, supporting our local environmental agenda and become a member of the Camden Climate alliance.”

It is anticipated that the successful operator will be appointed and commence preparatory works in Summer 2026.

You can read the relevant papers online: Procurement strategy for LEVI Funded Lamp Column Electric Vehicle Charge Points.pdf

Consumption-based emissions are a major contributor to our overall carbon footprint. While these emissions often occur outside Camden they are driven by local demand. A key priority within our new draft Climate Action Plan, which is currently being consulted on, sets out how the Council, local organisations, and communities can work together to cut emissions further, prepare for climate risks, and protect those most vulnerable.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“A circular economy is much more than just managing materials as sustainably as possible with products being designed to last longer by being easier to repair or repurpose, or at the end of life recycle, and so creating opportunities to keep materials in use and eliminate waste.

“It is also as much about social and economic benefits. Circular economy approaches can contribute to many of the challenges our communities face such as the cost of living, employment, digital divide, access to food, housing and affordable transport.

“To this end, I will be writing to the government to push for a range of measures including; replacing weight-based recycling-rate targets with residual waste per head, expanding the “right to repair” to all consumer electronics, including laptops, smartphones and tablets, a minimum 5-year warranty, and guarantee of security and software updates for 5 years after products leave the market.

“I will also be asking the government to fund a national repair-voucher scheme through extended producer responsibility payments.”

Progress made in Camden so far

Camden has already taken important steps towards building local circularity, working in partnership with residents, community groups and local businesses. This has empowered our communities to share, repair, reuse, and redistribute goods, which saves money and reduces waste. Examples include:

• In 2023, we convened a Circular Economy Scrutiny Panel, whose report examined how the circular economy could be better embedded across the Council and borough.
• Library of Things: Two Library of Things have been established in Camden, located in Kentish Town and Swiss Cottage libraries (previously at Kilburn library). This has enabled residents to borrow items like tools and appliances instead of buying new. Over 2,300 items were borrowed in 2024/25.
• Fixing Factory: Located in Queen’s Crescent, Fixing Factory tackles e-waste by providing community repair sessions and skill-building workshops. Events are also held across the Borough in Partnership with Veolia Camden and Think & Do
• Lifeafterhummus community “waste” café: In addition to establishing a social supermarket, reuse centre and food distribution network in Somers Town, Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society launched a community café at 5 Pancras Square in May 2025 offering affordable plant-based meals using surplus food.
• Somers Town Future Neighbourhood: a range of circular economy themed projects including Your Bike cycle repair, themed circular economy market days on Chalton Street and Sharing Spaces in Tenants and Residents’ Association halls.
• Circular retrofit: Camden is applying circular economy to the retrofitting of 2 Prince of Wales Road, which will become Camden’s first Neighbourhood Space and first development aligned with the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.

The reopening saw Mary Peretz and Gary Sollof – Co-chairs of Friends of Crabtree Fields cut the ceremonial ribbon to the park ahead of an afternoon of children’s activities, volunteer opportunities and community stalls.

Key elements of the restoration include:

• The old central wooden pergola and its climbing plants have been replaced with a more streamlined, metal framed pergola, featuring more suitable climbing plants for improved visibility and easier maintenance.
• Hedges along the perimeter have been reduced to help improve site lines, new colourful and more diverse planting has been planted along with three new trees. 
• The children’s playground has been reinstated and now has new swings, trampolines, a climbing frame and spinning dish.
• Walkways and entrances have been widened and railings along Whitfield Street have been replaced to further improve visibility through the site.

We also remain one of the few organisations in the country to report pay gaps by disability and ethnicity - demonstrating our commitment to transparency over and above statutory requirements and to addressing inequalities where they exist.

The report found, using data from 2024, that a gender gap remains within the pension fund used by Camden Council’s staff (the Local Government Pension Scheme) and that it is likely caused by historic gender inequalities in the workplace and across society.

For every £1 of pension paid to males, females are currently receiving around 75p. This shows there still is clear evidence of a gender pensions gap, remaining consistent over the two-year period, which is likely caused by historical gender inequalities.

Analysis of current staff saving for their pensions revealed that females continue to build up lower pension savings. Contributing factors were found to appear around the age of 30, when the number of females working part-time was found to increase, and male earnings start to be higher than female earnings.

You can access the report online: Camden Council - Gender Pensions Gap Analysis 2025 | Open Data Portal

We know that many of you are deeply concerned about the far-right ‘protests’ that are planned to come to London this weekend. Please be reassured that we are taking steps to keep our borough safe, and to underline our resounding message that Camden is no place for hate.  

The ugly rhetoric, intimidation and fear that surrounds this so-called ‘free speech rally’ goes against everything we stand for here in Camden. We wholeheartedly object to London, our capital city and our home, being used as a stage for this kind of hate, division and hostility, which aims to pit communities against each other. This is not what Camden is about. Here, we believe in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. Our focus is always on strengthening the sense of community that makes Camden such a special place to live, work and visit – and making sure everyone feels they belong. 

We are proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary. For decades we have welcomed people fleeing conflict, disaster and persecution – supporting people from the UK and beyond to make our borough their home. We have built our lives together side by side, learnt from each other, supported each other and together made Camden the vibrant, creative and diverse place it is today. Our diversity is our biggest strength. We celebrate this each and every day and we must never lose sight of the power this provides to us all.  

We know that this is a worrying and unsettling time for many people in Camden. We are continuing to take action to ensure the safety of everyone living, working and visiting our borough. This includes:  

• engaging with our communities, our partners and refugees in our borough to reassure them that we are here to support them and keep them safe 
• continuing to work closely with the Police, who are increasing their patrols in Camden. Our Community Safety Enforcement teams have increased their patrols too 
• writing directly to community groups, networks and places of worship in the borough to reassure them on the measures being taken and to remind them of how best to report any incidents or concerns 
• continuing to work closely with local faith leaders and our interfaith network to understand more about how our communities are feeling and to provide reassurance and support. 

Camden is an incredibly special place. We are proud to be a borough where people from all walks of life live, work and learn together; a place with trust, strength and shared understanding at our core. We have always stood firm against hate and division; confronting it with the power of solidarity and unity. Spreading hope, solidarity and unity will remain our focus as we look to the future. 

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• If you have witnessed a crime or are at immediate risk of harm, please call the Police on 999.  
• The police number for non-emergencies is 101 (24 hours) or online at https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/  
• You can contact Community Safety directly thorough this e-form (report antisocial behaviour) found on the website Report antisocial behaviour - Camden Council
• Call community safety via the main contact centre on 0207 974 4444  
• Crime Stoppers anonymous crime reporting on 0800 555 111.  

Reporting a hate crime:  

•  In an emergency you should call 999 and follow the ‘run, hide, tell’ advice.  
• If the incident or crime isn’t an emergency, call 101 or contact your local neighbourhood police, for example by visiting your local station.  
• You can also report hate crime online via report-it.org.uk 
• You can report a hate crime or incident to the Camden Safety Unit (CSU): csu.camden@met.police.uk. The CSU investigates all hate crime reports. Officers are trained to provide support to victims.  
• You can also call the Council on 020 7974 4444 
• We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences this behaviour to report it. Even if you don’t report a hate incident when it happens, please do report it.  
• For further information and a full list of community organisations that provide reporting services please visit Hate crime - Camden Council  

We all have a role to play in bringing our communities together  

Camden is built on respect, understanding and support for one another – and our focus remains firmly on strengthening the community cohesion that makes our borough so resilient.  

We all have a role to play in this – and there are lots of things you can do to help foster hope, solidarity and belonging in our borough. For example:  

• Report your concerns – by reporting hateful behaviour when it happens to you, or when you see it happen to someone else, you may be able to help us stop others being targeted with this behaviour. See above for more information and signposting 
• Volunteer your time – Camden is full of generous people and we’re really proud of the spirit and compassion of our communities. Find out more about how you can get involved here 
• Set up a community project or initiative – the Council's Voluntary and Community Sector investment programme supports voluntary and community organisations to build strong, connected communities. There is lots of support available. You can find out more here. Our “We Make Camden Kit” also gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities. Find out more here.  

We are also issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 per bike for bikes found left in resident, business, disabled and doctor parking bays. This enforcement will sit alongside our existing package of measures already in place which include rolling out dockless bike hire bays across Camden.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“To further reduce these issues, our teams are also patrolling known hotspots to remove badly parked bikes.

“Residents and businesses can also report issues to us by using the Love Clean Street App.”

Other recent highlights include:

• Harmful emissions in Camden from road transport has reduced. Between 2016 and 2024, CO2 emissions are estimated to have gone down 32% and NOx emissions down 73%, higher than the Inner London average.
• More people in Camden are choosing active travel every day— with 46% now doing at least 20 minutes daily, up from 43% in 2020, higher than the Inner London average.
• Car ownership in Camden has reduced by 21% between 2016 and 2023. This reduction is double the rate observed in the borough with the second highest reduction.
• The percentage of people living within 400m of a strategic cycle network in Camden has increased from 0% in 2016 to 61% in 2024.
• Since 2019 motor traffic volumes have decreased by 11% (to 2024).

Councillor Harrison continued:

“In the coming years we will invest further in the creation of new cycle networks and in walking and accessibility improvements, including new zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.

“We want to make it as safe and easy as possible for people to choose greener ways of travel leaving more space on the roads for people who need it the most.

“We plan to install 600 more electric vehicle charging points, create more safer and greener spaces outside Camden’s many schools, and work with TfL to improve bus journeys for passengers and electrify the bus network.

“We will also explore options to promote the use of car clubs to give people alternatives to car ownership while also setting targets to improve the safety of powered two-wheelers.”

You can read more about Camden's active travel schemes on our website.

Highlights of this wide-ranging scheme include:

• Creation of a traffic free green and open space on Phoenix Road that will have substantial planting, seating, open space for activities and events as well as play features.
• Substantial greening on side streets coming off Phoenix Road, with seating, creating a more pleasant and climate resilient public realm for the community, including local businesses.
• Pedestrian footway improvements including more accessible junctions where the pavement continues across the road.
• Traffic reduction benefits of the trial scheme would be secured permanently and further enhanced through an additional southbound only restriction at the Chalton Street/Phoenix Road junction.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“Since the start of the 18-month trial, we have gathered data and feedback from the community to help understand the impact of the trial and undertook a consultation in April this year that helped shape changes to be made to the trial scheme.

“This valuable feedback has also informed our decision for an additional 18-month trial southbound-only traffic restriction at the Chalton Street/Phoenix Road junction.”

Changes to be made to the trial scheme include:

• Creating zones within the new green and open space that direct more sociable activities towards the centre of the space, away from residents, with quieter areas towards the edges. The design of the new space also separates pedestrians from cyclists.
• Adding a loading bay at the junction of Werrington Street/Phoenix Road to support essential services such as the Euston Foodbank.
• Referencing the area’s unique heritage through railway inspired seating and extension of existing proposals for heritage posts.
• Adding in an additional trial southbound only traffic restriction at the Phoenix Road/Chalton Street junction to respond to concerns about continued through traffic on Chalton Street.
• Adding a disabled parking bay near the Chalton Street/Phoenix Road junction.
• Exploring adding more bins, lighting and potentially CCTV to address concerns about anti-social behaviour and litter in the area.
• Creating space for play.

You can read more information about this scheme online.

Since its launch, it has played a crucial role in fostering safe spaces for interfaith and interculture, helping communities to build trust.

Cllr Nadia Shah joined faith leaders from Mosques, Synagogues, Churches, and a Buddhist Centre in a special evening to recognise and thank faith organisations for the work they do to support Camden’s communities.

Impact of Cohesion Fund

In its first year, the fund supported 37 initiatives across Camden, from community meals and interfaith site visits to youth-led social action and cross-community workshops, helping to lay the foundations of friendship and trust across communities in Camden.

• Somers Town Festival brought together over 5,000 people to enjoy live performances and art exhibitions, while food stalls showcased Sudanese, Bengali and Caribbean cuisine. From music to food, the festival reflected the multicultural spirit of Camden.
• Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-based day of social action introducing people to activism. A series of community events saw 55,000 volunteers from all different faiths come together.
• Muslim World League celebrated cultural diversity at the Interfaith Eid Ul Adha Celebration event. Activists and leaders attended looking to learn from residents of Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Hindu faiths.

If you have an idea for a project or an event, please contact Faith@camden.gov.uk to find out more and apply.

Our Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out our approach to managing flood risk across Camden working closely with partner agencies, businesses, households and communities.

The City of London, with our encouragement and support, is currently installing a natural flood management scheme to the south of the East Heath car park.  This work aims to stop rainwater from running off the Heath onto East Heath Road which in turn can cause flooding in South End Green. 

It is achieving this by diverting the rainwater run-off into a natural and existing area on edge of the Heath.   

This scheme has also been complemented by Camden led improvements to the drainage infrastructure in South End Green itself. Work has involved increasing the openings in a number of identified existing gullies as well as the introduction of new gullies that will maximise the use of an existing large diameter Thames Water combined sewer in the area.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“In the two and a half years since publishing our Flood Risk Management Strategy, we have made good progress toward enhancing flood risk management in Camden, and we will continue to do what we can to green up our streets, including in South End Green.

“We have introduced Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) at identified locations across the borough to help mitigate periods of heavy rainfall, while also de-paving streets, turning the grey to green, and continuing to increase the number of new trees and therefore the tree canopy throughout Camden.

“One example being an innovative and award-winning SuDS on Parliament Hill, which saw the installation combined with gas mains replacement works in collaboration with Cadent Gas, minimising disruption for residents and people travelling through the area.

“We have also been pressing hard for the Thames Water part of the sewer network to expand to cope with more frequent large storm events.

“We actively monitor all higher risk areas, and our gully crews inspect all drains to ensure they are free of leaves and debris.”

Further work is planned on the Heath to continue to help manage rainwater run-off with schemes planned at Parliament Hill and to the east of the fairground area above Hampstead No1 pond.  The Council has also recently approved an ordinary water course application by the City of London to introduce various natural flood risk management measures on the Heath that will further slow the rate at which water reaches the various ponds. The ponds benefitted from significant dam improvement works in 2015-16.

Following speeches from special guests and Camden Cabinet Members Cllrs Sabrina Francis and Nadia Shah, guests were treated to performances from the Camden Music Service Steel Band and powerful poetry by the young people of Argyle Primary School. The event was hosted by artist and educator Linett Kamala, with moving reflections shared by carnival veteran Allyson Williams MBE as well as Beverley Reviero-Awonaya – Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Officer at the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago.

Outside, the Mayor of Camden addressed the crowd before unveiling the plaque to guests and lucky passers-by – a fitting tribute to a legacy that began at the very steps of Camden Town Hall.

History of the UK’s first Caribbean Carnival

During the 1950s, amid rising racial tensions which escalated into the Notting Hill riots, activist Claudia Jones organised the first Caribbean Carnival to provide a joyful, defiant safe space for cultural expression and community resilience.

Held at the Town Hall and televised by the BBC, the carnival featured steel bands, calypso singing, a beauty pageant, a banquet of food and many more Caribbean traditions. The carnival was so successful it continued in London for five years, eventually inspiring the Notting Hill Carnival – one of the world’s largest street festivals, attracting millions of visitors and contributing £93million to London’s economy every year.

At the end of 2023, Claudia Jones was honoured with a blue plaque outside her home in Camden, where she lived from 1955 to 1964. Claudia worked tirelessly for equality and in support of Caribbean communities in London, setting up anti-racism campaigns and Britain’s first Black newspaper (The West Indian Gazette). With the unveiling of the blue plaque outside Camden Town Hall, Claudia Jones’ role in founding Britain’s first Caribbean Carnival is further etched into history.

The plaque unveiling was a commemorative bow in Camden Council’s wider calendar of events marking the 77th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush into Britain. It marked a historical day in British history as well as Camden’s role in it, helping to immortalise the story for new and future generations.

The strategy sets out a bold, partnership-led plan for reducing homelessness, improving housing options, and supporting people with joined-up health and care services - while campaigning nationally for the powers and resources needed to tackle the root causes. 

The draft Strategy builds on the council's transformation work with residents who have lived experience of homelessness, as well as with local community partners that are working to support people experiencing homelessness.  

Now, the wider community - residents, people with lived experience, community groups and service providers - are being invited to share their views and help continue shaping this vital strategy. 

It comes at a time when the number of people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping is on the rise in London and across the country. In Camden, over 1,000 households are now living in temporary accommodation and there has been a 26% increase in the number of people experiencing rough sleeping.  

Private rents in Camden are among the highest in the country – averaging £2,400 a month, while growing numbers of households in debt or rent arrears and national cuts to welfare and health services are placing more people at risk in our borough.  

To support residents experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness, Camden has invested £39 million this year into its homelessness and rough sleeping services to provide tailored welfare, housing and employment support. The Council is also building new hostels, hundreds of new social and affordable homes, and buying back family-sized properties to help ease housing pressures on the 8,000 families on the council’s housing waiting list. 

Camden’s new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy aims to build on this work over the next five years to make homelessness “rare, brief and non-recurrent.”  

New initiatives set to be introduced include:   

• A significant expansion of Camden’s Housing First programme, with 30 new units by April 2026 
• 280 additional bed spaces in family-sized temporary accommodation, building on the 307 properties already purchased by the Council 
• A new neighbourhood-based approach, bringing together housing, health, social care and community services to provide joined-up support tailored to residents’ needs 
• The introduction of “personal passports” to improve residents’ access to support and reduce the need to repeatedly share personal information 
• Expansion of supported accommodation for young people and exploration of initiatives like the ‘House Project,’ which helps care-experienced young people gain the skills, confidence and support networks they need to live independently 
• A continued commitment to co-producing services together with residents who have lived experience 

Have your say on Camden’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. The consultation is open until 29 September. 

Camden’s new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy has been co-produced with residents who have experience of homelessness alongside local community partners and groups. It is built on four key priorities: 

Prevent homelessness and rough sleeping 

The council acknowledges that it cannot prevent homelessness or rough sleeping alone - to make real change the council will work with partners, communities and people to share resources, insight and data to identify people more at risk and intervene to support them as early as possible. 

Provide joined-up housing, health and social care support 

Where homelessness does occur, the council will act to make it as brief as possible. Council and partner services will work closely together to provide information and support that responds to residents’ individual circumstances and is tailored to their personal needs. 

Secure more accessible, affordable, and long-term housing 

Stable housing is essential in preventing homelessness and enabling people to rebuild their lives after experiencing of homelessness. The council will invest in a range of good quality and affordable housing options to meet residents’ needs - from temporary accommodation to social housing. 

Campaign nationally for systemic change and share learning 

Structural change is needed to end and reduce homelessness and rough sleeping, which addresses the underlying causes of poverty and housing insecurity and increases the powers and resources available to councils and the homelessness sector

This year’s lecture features Baroness Lola Young as keynote speaker – a lifelong champion of social justice who became one of the first Black women in the House of Lords. Baroness Young will contribute a powerful testimony to the enduring impact of the UK’s Race Relations Act on its 60^th anniversary, of which Lord Pitt played a pivotal role in building.

Camden’s Homecoming Celebration also returns this June at a free family event at Talacre Town Green. Residents can rejoice with ska and reggae legends, carnival costumes, arts, crafts, sports and delicious food.

In a commemorative bow of our Windrush programme, a blue plaque will be unveiled at Camden Town Hall, where Britain’s First Caribbean carnival was held on 30 January 1959. This will mark a historical day in British history as well as Camden’s role in it, helping to immortalise the story for new and future generations.

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Camden celebrates Windrush Day 2025 – key events:

19 June

• Annual Pitt Lecture - Bloomsbury Theatre, 7-9pm

22 June - Windrush Day 2025

• Windrush Homecoming Celebration – Family event at Talacre Town Green, 12-7pm

26 June

• Unveiling of plaque celebrating Britain’s first Caribbean carnival

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Further information

Pitt Lecture

This year, we reflect on a pivotal moment in British history - the 60th anniversary of the UK’s Race Relations Act. The lecture is held in honour of Lord David Pitt, who dedicated his life to medicine and politics, tenaciously fighting against racism and discrimination.

Tickets for the event are “pay what you can”, with all profits going to the Windrush Foundation. The Windrush Foundation is a charity dedicated to highlighting African and Caribbean contributions to British society through impactful heritage projects, educational programmes and cultural initiative.

Hosted by Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, this inspiring evening will feature a panel discussion with Baroness Young, Cllr Francis, and Geoffrey O. Williams, Chair of Bernie Grant Arts Centre. The event will also include a special opening address by Her Excellency Rachér Croney, High Commissioner for Grenada.

Windrush Homecoming Celebration

This one-day, free event is your chance to celebrate their incredible legacy and explore Camden’s rich Caribbean heritage, culture and community spirit. No ticket bookings are required.

Expect:

•            DJ's, ska, reggae legends and special guests

•            African and Caribbean crafts

•            Food and drink

•            Opportunities to meet community organisations

•            Sports activities for kids

Windrush podcasts

In this podcast series, three episodes were recorded to provide a space for the community to influence the conversation on the impact and legacies of Windrush in the borough of Camden. The podcasts feature interviews with Windrush descendants, community leaders, activists and experts to explore the history of the Windrush generation, the injustices they faced, and their ongoing struggles for justice.

These conversations share stories, and perspectives, and challenges stereotypes to contribute to a more inclusive and just society. The podcasts are all hosted by BBC 1Xtra Swarzy Macaly and produced by The Playermaker Group.

Episode 1 explores the lives and experiences of the Caribbean community who arrived in Camden between 1948 and 1971 and their contribution to the borough and the UK.

Episode 2 explores the changing face of Camden and the experiences and contributions of the first Windrush generation born in the UK.

Episode 3 explores the legacy of the Windrush generation looking to the future and focuses on the 3rd and 4th Windrush Generation.