Liveable Streets Bethnal Green

Update: Arnold Circus ground work commencement

Stage 1: Work will begin today (23 October) on the closure of most of Arnold Circus to motor vehicles. Access will remain via Calvert Avenue and Navarre street. The initial works include installing the road closure points, making sure the correct signage is in place and setting up the site compound.

Throughout the design and planning of this groundwork, the historic importance of the circus has been paramount to any changes. Our team are working on the road area only during the initial phase of works. No work will take place on the York stone paving around the circus during this time.

Stage 2: Following this, we will look to repair any damaged paving stones and add additional stones where they have been removed and replaced by concrete over the years, we are working to ensure we can match any new york stones to a similar age of the existing stones. This is likely to start in December, however we will not proceed with further works to the pavement or heritage materials until after further engagement with local groups.

Stage 3: Once the ground work is complete we will be looking at the additional planting. Flower beds and trees that can be installed in the new public area, this work is due to take place in March 2021. We are still looking for the input of local residents to finalise the designs and are hosting an online webinar where you can share your thoughts on proposed new features in the public area.

Update: Preliminary Works in and around Arnold Circus

Ahead of the initial ground work beginning on the 23^rd October 2020, our contractors will be carrying a number of small scale works to enable safe vehicle movement around the new road layout.

From 16^th October to 20^th October our contractor, JB Riney will be carrying out re-kerbing works on the junction of Navarre Street and Boundary Road. During this work, the original kerb stones and York stone paving will be taken out whilst the work is carried out, once the new kerb is in place all the original stones will be re-installed where possible.

As part of our scheme we are keen to protect all of the historic paving that is in place around the circus. This preliminary work will be completed on 20^th October ahead of the groundwork starting on 23^rd October 2020.

Following strong support for the changes in the public consultation, we have developed designs for the Bethnal Green scheme and in particular the pedestrianisation of Arnold Circus.

As this process has been taking place during the Covid-19 restrictions, we have carried out an online co-design process with people in the area who highlighted in the public consultation their interest in being involved in the design of this new public realm scheme. The co-design workshops have brought residents, community groups, schools, project officers and local ward councillors together, sharing great ideas two very productive sessions.

We would like to thank all contributors for their ideas so far and, as we are now reaching the final stages of the detailed design, we would like to get comments from the wider community on the proposals. You will find a video below with a short presentation from Gareth, the architect commissioned to design the space, outlining proposed features for the space.

You can also download the presentation in a PDF.

We are keen to hear your ideas on these plans, so please feel free to share your thoughts here or call 0203 092 0401 (weekdays 9am to 5pm).

Update: Please note the consultation has now ended. Check back on this page to keep up to date with the latest information on the project.

The October 2019 consultation survey asked residents and businesses in the Bethnal Green area: ‘How supportive are you of the road closure at the junction of Barnet Grove and Columbia Road?’

The responses showed the majority of residents and businesses in the area around the closure were supportive of the idea, however some people were concerned about access for market traders and on Sundays.

We have listened to your concerns and as a result of this, the local council would like to consult the local area on potential alternatives which may resolve existing concerns.

The outcome of this consultation will directly inform detailed design plans of Bethnal Green Liveable Streets.

For more information on the proposed alternatives for Barnet Grove, access for emergency vehicles, impact on vulnerable adults and community access, please click here to see the Barnet Grove consultation document.

Please click on image to download a larger version of the plan.

Have your say

You can share your views with us on Barnet Grove by filling out the survey or get in touch with the team by emailing liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk or calling 0203 092 0401 (weekdays, excluding public holidays, 9am - 5pm).

Your views are important to us. We want everyone who lives, works and studies in the Barnet Grove area to have their say on the proposed changes. Please note surveys are now closed.

For more information on the proposed alternative options for Barnet Grove, please read the consultation document here.

Coronavirus update

Our Liveable Streets programme team is following government advice and is currently working remotely. Work will continue as planned on the projects and the team will adhere to all guidelines.

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