Liveable Streets Bethnal Green

During the consultation for the Bethnal Green Liveable Streets Scheme we heard strongly from many residents that traffic levels and road safety along Columbia Road are a concern. Traffic along Columbia Road has increased from nearly 1200 daily trips in 2019 to over 1900 in 2021. Traffic has also increased on Ravenscroft Street, Horatio Street and Ropley Street.

We are currently consulting local residents and businesses on three options which have been developed by the council through local engagement with residents and other stakeholders. These options seek to address the issue of through traffic in the area while addressing concerns on access. These proposals would improve road safety for residents as well as cyclists using the cycle quietway which runs along Columbia Road.

Option 1: Proposed 7 day Ropley Street Closure

Option 1 is for a 7 day closure to general traffic on Ropley street. This would be camera enforced and would allow for emergency vehicles access and limited access for market traders during Sunday market operation times. The new proposed amendments to Ropley Street for this option are as follows:

• Closure to motor traffic at the southern end of Ropley Street to create a safe and enjoyable public realm space for the community
• New Street Trees
• Space for community led planting
• Cycle parking facilities including a cycle hanger
• Rationalised motorbike parking
• Access for emergency vehicles

• Market trader access maintained

Option 2: Proposed 6 day Ropley Street Closure

Option 2 is a variation on option 1 but access through Ropley street is retained for general traffic in both directions on Sunday during the operation of Columbia Road Market. This option will enable access for all traders without the requirement of a permit system and has improved access to Hackney Road during market hours for many residents in the area.

Because this design needs to accommodate two-way traffic on Sundays, the space on Ropley Street needs to be designed in such a way that it means less planting compared to Option 1. The new design of the junction and space on Ropley will slow down traffic and encourage turning movements that are safer for walking and cycling across the junction. So safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians are achieved even when Ropley Street is open to two-way traffic on Sundays.

Option 3: Columbia Road 3pm-7pm weekday camera closure

This option is for a closure to motor traffic on the junction with Chambord Street. The closure would operate between 3pm and 7pm on weekdays addressing the high traffic flows at these times.

• The closure would be subject to resident exemption with all residents and businesses within the Bethnal Green Liveable Streets area eligible for a permit
• This would reduce high traffic volumes during school pick up times for Columbia Primary Schools
• Motor vehicle access to all properties, including for deliveries, will be retained through Ravenscroft Street and Shipton Street
• This option can be implemented on its own or in conjunction with options 1 or 2

Update: Arnold Circus Interim plans

We had intended to begin works on the carriageway in late October, but in response to concerns raised in relation to some heritage aspects, we subsequently decided to pause further works in order to provide full reassurance in relation to this and some other issues raised by concerned residents.

Interim Plans

In light of discussions with resident groups and stakeholders, we are installing an interim scheme during w/c 14 December 2020 which will remain in place until the civil works begin in 2021. Please find this plan below.

Proposed works to Arnold Circus. Please click the plan to download a larger version.

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).