Liveable Streets Bethnal Green

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Liveable Streets is a multi-million-pound borough-wide street and public space improvement programme. It aims to improve the look and feel of public spaces in neighbourhoods across the borough and make it easier, safer, and more convenient to get around by foot, bike and public transport.

Please refer to the right side of the page to find out more about the previous stages of the Liveable Streets Bethnal Green programme and engagement activities.

Construction phases

The programme is now moving into the construction phase for the Bethnal Green area. We will update each neighbourhood on the specific works taking place on the roads around them, or you can see the below timeline for when a scheme area near you is scheduled to commence construction.

Click here to see all the changes to the road layout across the Bethnal Green area. The full range of improvements will be detailed below.

Construction updates

Upcoming works

We would like to thank residents and local stakeholders who have reached out to us and shared your support for the scheme, your concerns and also changes you would like to see included in the project. We have listened to your requests for further works, concerns on traffic displacement and issues for access.

The Council intends to carry out the following:

Jesus Hospital Estate

  • We are intending to implement option 2, which was the favoured option, of the consultation held in July to August 2020. This option includes:
    1. A road closure on Barnet Grove, north of the junction with Wellington Row and a closure on Wellington Row, east of the junction with Barnet Grove
    2. A road closure at the junction with Quilter Street and Ravenscroft Street.
    3. Barnet Grove becomes two-way between Elwin Street and Wellington Row with access to market trader parking bays.
    4. Both closures allow for full pedestrian and cycle access. Access to market trader parking bays remain the same for Durant Street.
  • These measures will be implemented on an experimental basis using free-standing planters and lockable bollards. The impacts of these measures will be monitored and reviewed before being made permanent. Sufficient access for emergency services around Columbia Road will be maintained at all times, and we continue to discuss this and other closures in the area with the emergency services.
  • We are working with the markets team to make sure that there is always clear access for motor vehicles to enter and exit the local area north of these closures to and from Hackney Road.
  • We are aware of the levels of through-traffic passing in this area at the moment due to the Gosset Street closure. We are intending to install the closures listed above by the end of April in order to remove this through traffic and return the local streets to a quieter state.

Ravenscroft Street

  • As part of the scheme, the southern section of Ravenscroft Street between Columbia Road and Ezra Street will become one -way northbound. This will reduce the number of motor vehicles rat-running from Hackney Road and reduce vehicle movements outside the school.
  • A part of the one way pavement outside the school gates will be widened and an improved informal crossing provided to access the park.

Ropley Street

  • Carry out a consultation on the closure and design of Ropley Street. The proposals approved in 2020 included the introduction of a road closure on Ropley Street. This was included because of a resident petition as part of consultation feedback, calling for the closure due to the perceived dangerous nature of the junction and potential increase in rat-running vehicles using this road after travelling along Columbia Road. Over the past six months, we have been working with local residents to design up the closure and associated public realm improvements. In order to get the view of the wider Bethnal Green community on this particular closure, we will hold a three-week consultation in May 2021 on the design of the scheme to get feedback from the wider community to inform any changes and, subject to consultation, will aim to implement this Summer.

Gosset Street

  • Works are continuing on Gosset Street and we expect these to be completed in the next 3 to 4 weeks.
  • We are aware of traffic now using other residential streets to cut-through the area, we expect the intended measures on Barnet Grove and Ravenscroft Street to help address these issues.

Warner Place and Squirries Street junctions with Gosset Street

  • Further detailed updates on this closure to follow soon.

Ongoing works

Works are currently nearing completion on Old Bethnal Green Road and has been completed in stages to minimise any disruption.

To find out more about Old Bethnal Green works, please see the notification letter for residents.

You can also view the work commencement letters that have been distributed to all affected areas.

Construction along Pollard Row commenced Thursday 3 December 2020 and has since been completed with a review of parking underway. These works form part of the wider Liveable Streets program and will see a new School Street implemented for Elizabeth Selby Infants School to create a safe space for school children.

A plan indicating where the proposed closure points are on Pollard Row and Pollard StreetPollard Row closure points and school street


The works commencement letter was distributed to surrounding local residents prior to the commencement of works.

Works commenced at the junction of Columbia Road and Gosset Street on Monday 25 January 2021 and are currently ongoing. A commencement letter was sent to all surrounding properties prior to the commencement of work.

Image of proposed public space at the junction of Gosset Street and Columbia Road, Proposed one way to Gosset Street, Columbia Road and Ravenscroft StreetPublic space and one way systems along Gosset Street, Columbia Road and Ravenscroft Street
Coronavirus updates

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

Please note construction timing is subject to change depending on changes to coronavirus restrictions, weather and coordination of works in the area. We will update the website with any changes to the programme and hope you will continue to help us improve the look and feel of your neighbourhood.

For coronavirus updates from Tower Hamlets or to join our mailing list please click here.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding the construction phase please see below, or get in touch with the team by emailing liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk or calling 0203 092 0401.

Liveable Streets is a multi-million-pound borough-wide street and public space improvement programme. It aims to improve the look and feel of public spaces in neighbourhoods across the borough and make it easier, safer, and more convenient to get around by foot, bike and public transport.

Please refer to the right side of the page to find out more about the previous stages of the Liveable Streets Bethnal Green programme and engagement activities.

Construction phases

The programme is now moving into the construction phase for the Bethnal Green area. We will update each neighbourhood on the specific works taking place on the roads around them, or you can see the below timeline for when a scheme area near you is scheduled to commence construction.

Click here to see all the changes to the road layout across the Bethnal Green area. The full range of improvements will be detailed below.

Construction updates

Upcoming works

We would like to thank residents and local stakeholders who have reached out to us and shared your support for the scheme, your concerns and also changes you would like to see included in the project. We have listened to your requests for further works, concerns on traffic displacement and issues for access.

The Council intends to carry out the following:

Jesus Hospital Estate

  • We are intending to implement option 2, which was the favoured option, of the consultation held in July to August 2020. This option includes:
    1. A road closure on Barnet Grove, north of the junction with Wellington Row and a closure on Wellington Row, east of the junction with Barnet Grove
    2. A road closure at the junction with Quilter Street and Ravenscroft Street.
    3. Barnet Grove becomes two-way between Elwin Street and Wellington Row with access to market trader parking bays.
    4. Both closures allow for full pedestrian and cycle access. Access to market trader parking bays remain the same for Durant Street.
  • These measures will be implemented on an experimental basis using free-standing planters and lockable bollards. The impacts of these measures will be monitored and reviewed before being made permanent. Sufficient access for emergency services around Columbia Road will be maintained at all times, and we continue to discuss this and other closures in the area with the emergency services.
  • We are working with the markets team to make sure that there is always clear access for motor vehicles to enter and exit the local area north of these closures to and from Hackney Road.
  • We are aware of the levels of through-traffic passing in this area at the moment due to the Gosset Street closure. We are intending to install the closures listed above by the end of April in order to remove this through traffic and return the local streets to a quieter state.

Ravenscroft Street

  • As part of the scheme, the southern section of Ravenscroft Street between Columbia Road and Ezra Street will become one -way northbound. This will reduce the number of motor vehicles rat-running from Hackney Road and reduce vehicle movements outside the school.
  • A part of the one way pavement outside the school gates will be widened and an improved informal crossing provided to access the park.

Ropley Street

  • Carry out a consultation on the closure and design of Ropley Street. The proposals approved in 2020 included the introduction of a road closure on Ropley Street. This was included because of a resident petition as part of consultation feedback, calling for the closure due to the perceived dangerous nature of the junction and potential increase in rat-running vehicles using this road after travelling along Columbia Road. Over the past six months, we have been working with local residents to design up the closure and associated public realm improvements. In order to get the view of the wider Bethnal Green community on this particular closure, we will hold a three-week consultation in May 2021 on the design of the scheme to get feedback from the wider community to inform any changes and, subject to consultation, will aim to implement this Summer.

Gosset Street

  • Works are continuing on Gosset Street and we expect these to be completed in the next 3 to 4 weeks.
  • We are aware of traffic now using other residential streets to cut-through the area, we expect the intended measures on Barnet Grove and Ravenscroft Street to help address these issues.

Warner Place and Squirries Street junctions with Gosset Street

  • Further detailed updates on this closure to follow soon.

Ongoing works

Works are currently nearing completion on Old Bethnal Green Road and has been completed in stages to minimise any disruption.

To find out more about Old Bethnal Green works, please see the notification letter for residents.

You can also view the work commencement letters that have been distributed to all affected areas.

Construction along Pollard Row commenced Thursday 3 December 2020 and has since been completed with a review of parking underway. These works form part of the wider Liveable Streets program and will see a new School Street implemented for Elizabeth Selby Infants School to create a safe space for school children.

A plan indicating where the proposed closure points are on Pollard Row and Pollard StreetPollard Row closure points and school street


The works commencement letter was distributed to surrounding local residents prior to the commencement of works.

Works commenced at the junction of Columbia Road and Gosset Street on Monday 25 January 2021 and are currently ongoing. A commencement letter was sent to all surrounding properties prior to the commencement of work.

Image of proposed public space at the junction of Gosset Street and Columbia Road, Proposed one way to Gosset Street, Columbia Road and Ravenscroft StreetPublic space and one way systems along Gosset Street, Columbia Road and Ravenscroft Street
Coronavirus updates

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

Please note construction timing is subject to change depending on changes to coronavirus restrictions, weather and coordination of works in the area. We will update the website with any changes to the programme and hope you will continue to help us improve the look and feel of your neighbourhood.

For coronavirus updates from Tower Hamlets or to join our mailing list please click here.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding the construction phase please see below, or get in touch with the team by emailing liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk or calling 0203 092 0401.

  • Ropley Street

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    22 Dec 2020
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    Ropley Street Detailed Design

    The improvements to the Ropley Street area form a key part of the Liveable Streets programme and we want the public realm design to enhance the area as best as possible.

    As the final stages of the Ropley Street engagement process have taken place during the Covid-19 restrictions, engagement with residents in the area was held online via webinar.

    Thank you to all contributors for their ideas so far. As we are now reaching the end of the detailed design stage, we would like to hear from the wider community on the design proposal and tree/planting options.

    Based on community feedback so far, amendments to the detailed designs have been made and can be viewed below. The new proposed amendments to Ropley Street are as follows:

    • Closure of the low trafficked street at the southern end to create a safe and enjoyable public realm space for the community
    • A single space design approach in terms of materials proposed and placement of streetscape elements
    • New Street Trees
    • Space for community led planting
    • Cycle parking facilities including a cycle hanger
    • Rationalised motorbike parking
    • Access for emergency vehicles
    • Service access maintained.

    Detailed design plan of proposed Ropley Street closure

    Planting

    As part of the enhancements, new trees and plants will be introduced. From the below selection, please let us know your opinion on which planting options you would like taken forward.

    Tree planting optionsPerennial planting optionsShrub planting optionsBulb planting options

    Ground cover options

    Please select an image to show more planting options.

    Feedback

    We are keen to hear your ideas so please share your thoughts and preferences online using our feedback form or email the team at Liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk . Please give your email the subject heading ‘Ropley Street Ideas'.



  • Gosset Street

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    Gosset Street/Columbia Road Detailed Design

    The improvements to the Gosset Street area form a key part of the Liveable Streets programme and we want the public realm design to enhance the area as best as possible.

    As the final stages of the Gosset Street engagement process have taken place during the Covid-19 restrictions, engagement with residents in the area has been held online via webinar format.

    Thank you to all contributors for their ideas so far and, as we are now reaching the end stage of the detailed design, we would like to get final comments from the wider community on these design proposals.

    Based on the community feedback so far, amendments to the detailed designs have been made and can be viewed in the plans below.

    The designs include creating shared use surfaces, removal of the roundabout to create a better crossing for pedestrians, rain gardens to improve drainage and using materials matching those already functioning in the area.

    We are enthusiastic to hear your ideas so please share your thoughts and preferences online using our feedback formor email the team at Liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. Please give your email the subject heading 'Gosset Street Ideas'.


    To view a larger version of the plan please click on the image above.

    Options for trees and planting

    As part of the enhancements new trees and plants will be introduced. From the below selection, please let us know your opinion on which planting options should be taken forward.

    We are enthusiastic to hear your ideas so please share your thoughts and preferences online using our feedback formor email the team at Liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. Please give your email the subject heading 'Gosset Street Ideas'.

    You can view the PDF document here.


    Options for 'Other Elements'

    Artistic elements are also a part of these local public realm improvements and we would like to hear your views on the type of imagery, based on the below options, to include.

    We are enthusiastic to hear your ideas so please share your thoughts and preferences online using our feedback formor email the team at Liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. Please give your email the subject heading 'Gosset Street Ideas'.

    You can view the PDF document here.


  • Arnold Circus

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    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.


    Plan showing the proposed works in the Arnold Circus areaProposed 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 23rd October 2020, our contractors will be carrying a number of small scale works to enable safe vehicle movement around the new road layout.

    From 16th October to 20th 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 20th October ahead of the groundwork starting on 23rd 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).

  • Barnet Grove consultation

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    13 Jul 2020
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    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.

    For coronavirus updates from Tower Hamlets join our mailing list.