Middlesex Street Area Improvements

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Project Background


Petticoat Lane is the name of the famous East End market, running along mainly Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street. The street offers fashion, bric-a-brac, luggage, souvenirs, hairdressers, cafés and hot food. Many businesses are independent family-run; the street is free of chain stores. Shops and markets serve mostly local residents, budget-conscious customer base or niche business, as well as office workers from nearby areas. The pandemic has hit local businesses and market stall holders hard and has exacerbated further decline in the street as business income is reduced and some businesses are forced to close.

The conservation area

Project Background


Petticoat Lane is the name of the famous East End market, running along mainly Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street. The street offers fashion, bric-a-brac, luggage, souvenirs, hairdressers, cafés and hot food. Many businesses are independent family-run; the street is free of chain stores. Shops and markets serve mostly local residents, budget-conscious customer base or niche business, as well as office workers from nearby areas. The pandemic has hit local businesses and market stall holders hard and has exacerbated further decline in the street as business income is reduced and some businesses are forced to close.

The conservation area is in a poor condition and is registered on Historic England's list of 'Heritage at Risk' due to loss of historic details, inappropriate change and lack of maintenance. Developmental pressure from neighbouring areas such as Bishopsgate, Spitalfields and Aldgate and from within the conservation area threaten the special historic character of the conservation area and put it at risk of losing its designation. Paradoxically, it is this lack of investment in the conservation area has meant that Wentworth Street has retained much of its historic quality and charm of mainly 19th century low rise, narrow frontage, fine grain buildings and the market stalls, creating a continuous, harmonious and charming townscape.

Current regeneration plans will use the built historic environment on Wentworth Street and neighbouring streets to act as a catalyst to support local businesses by developing its distinctive identity and the social vitality of the street. Funding for the programme comes from LBTH through section 106 obligations as part of the 'Middlesex Street Regeneration Programme' and from Historic England through the national 'High Street Heritage Action Zone' funding scheme. The programme has as its goal making the high street a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time.

Alongside shopfront improvements, improved public spaces and the repair and conversion of the disused underground Victorian toilet on Leyden Street, there will be a cultural programme, historic building skills training and locally commissioned art work. LBTH is also working with the City of London to improve operations and layout of the market, introduce better facilities, enhance the public realm and introduce a new brand for the market.

Projects

  • Shopfront restoration and refurbishment - Revitalisation of Wentworth Street business frontages to reduce the number of solid shutters for open grilles, as well as restoring tired properties to their original look.
  • Leyden Street Toilets - Refurbishment of the Leyden Street toilets to re-provide a public accessible toilet as well as a new commercial space for a food & beverage operator.
  • Petticoat Lane Art Trail - Supporting local artists with opportunities to create murals on gable walls, working with creative stakeholders to install art pieces, improve links and wayfinding to neighbouring areas.
  • Public Realm Improvements - Redesigning and creating new public space within the Petticoat Lane Market area. Creating green spaces and places for seating to enjoy on market days as well as lighting, wayfinding and pavement upgrades.

If you would like more information about any of these projects, highstreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. or call 0207 345 6854 to arrange a callback. All updates provided below.


Latest Update - 5th October 2023 (Leyden Street)

Some great progress has now been made on site by our landscape contractor Rineys who have now started laying the new York Stone paving along Leyden Street. With new linear ACO-drainage across the kerbs which will managed and reduce any pooling of water that has been an issue here in the past.

In the upcoming weeks we will be installing 5 new trees along the street.



Latest Update - 10th August 2023 (Leyden Street)


Rineys have now been appointed and carrying out deep excavating works to the basement roof of the Leyden Street toilets, to carefully install new waterproofing that will protect the asset and reduce any potential water ingress in the future. These works are estimated to be completed by end of August with the next stage to lay out new paving, drainage and new trees installed.


Latest Update - 5th June 2023 (Leyden Street)

Unfortunately due to delays with the main contractor for Leyden Street, the public realm works were postponed to June. We are now pleased to inform you that these works will now be beginning from the 6th June - 12th August 2023. This will include the digging up of the existing carriageway to lay down new waterproofing material for the basement roof of the toilets, installing new paving across the footway and carriageway that will now make it a pedestrianised zone only, installing new Silver Birch trees, seating and planters for public use.

Once these works are complete, the remaining works will then be carried out to complete the final elements of the basement and then installing a new above ground structure to serve as a cafe space and provide public accessible toilets also.


Latest Update - 12th April 2023 (Leyden Street)


Due to issues unbeknown to the Council, there were areas of water ingress coming into the Leyden Street Toilets. So construction works were halted in early March 2023 to address this issue and identify the source. Works were carried out by Aspect and have been a success. This will now be monitored over the next few weeks to ensure this has been a successful permanent solution.

Additionally, the above ground work to the carriageway and footway will now be starting on the 24th April 2023. These works are anticipated to take between 5-6 weeks.

Latest Update - 30th January 2023 (Shopfront Improvement Scheme)


Following a review of the Capital Delivery Programme across the Council; it has been decided that the Shopfront Improvement Scheme will no longer be progressing.


Latest Update - 10th October 2022 (Petticoat Lane Art Trail)

We are pleased to announce and share the completed mural from Jacob v Joyce at Pomell Way. Jacob V Joyce's piece, titled ‘Nourishing Disruptions’ design aims to provide “a moment of serenity that disrupts the endless construction and labour demanded by an ever-changing cityscape”. The design incorporates the buddleia plant, which grow on many rooftops across East London. Joyce said the plant “represents a defiant nature, an ability to put down roots in hostile environments and humble beauty that can sometimes go unnoticed.” One voter noted that they felt Joyce’s concept “represents the local area, champions youth and creativity and points positively to the future”.

If you have an opportunity, please take time to visit the site and see the mural in all its beauty.


Latest Update - 30th August 2022 (Shopfront Improvement Scheme)


The High Streets team are pleased to announce that we have received full planning permission for all 16 businesses that are part of the Shopfront Improvement Scheme. That list includes:

28 Wentworth St26 Wentworth St24 Wentworth St24a Wentworth St22 Wentworth St20 Wentworth St18 Wentworth St16 Wentworth St
12 Wentworth St10 Wentworth St8 Wentworth St6 Wentworth St72 Middlesex St19 Wentworth St27/27a Wentworth St29 Wentworth St


We are now in the process of selecting a contractor to carry out the works to these properties. Announcement will be in October 2022.



Latest Update - 8th August 2022 (Petticoat Lane Art Trail)

Following the survey carried out back in May, we are pleased to announce that the artist that was voted by the public the most is Jacob v Joyce. They will be now carrying out consultation with members of the local community helped by the Whitechapel Gallery.

Work will aim to begin at the end of September 2022. Watch this space!


Latest Update - 24th May 2022 (Petticoat Lane Art Trail)

Pomell Way Art Mural

This survey has now finished and the results are being considered by a final community panel.

As part of the Petticoat Lane Art Trail Programme, we are introducing a vibrant Art Trail to the area which, along with other art initiatives, will see a new mural be placed on Pomell Way.

Through a set of community consultations, we have shortlisted three local artists that have submitted designs based on the area's rich history.

Pomell Way Gable Wall (Left Red Area)


Latest Update - 5th May 2022 (Leyden Street Toilets)

Leyden Street Toilets - Construction Started

The High Streets are excited to announce that construction has now started on Leyden Street for the refurbishment of the Leyden Street Toilets.

Topcoat Construction Limited were appointed back in April 2022 and are now undertaking the first stages of construction.

As part of the construction brief, key features such as the original railings, terrazzo flooring, oriinal bollards manufactured by Wells & Co (a local ironmongers company) and the internal original tiling will be retained. As well as utilising the groundfloor window lights as natural light for the basement use.

Work is expected to be completed by December 2022.


Males Sections


  • Middlesex Street Regeneration Programme - Overview

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    supporting image

    Petticoat Lane is the name of the famous East End market, running along mainly Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street. The street offers fashion, bric-a-brac, luggage, souvenirs, hairdressers, cafés and hot food. Many businesses are independent family-run; the street is free of chain stores. Shops and markets serve mostly local residents, budget-conscious customer base or niche business, as well as office workers from nearby areas. The pandemic has hit local businesses and market stall holders hard and has exacerbated further decline in the street as business income is reduced and some businesses are forced to close.

    The conservation area is in a poor condition and is registered on Historic England's list of 'Heritage at Risk' due to loss of historic details, inappropriate change and lack of maintenance. Developmental pressure from neighbouring areas such as Bishopsgate, Spitalfields and Aldgate and from within the conservation area threaten the special historic character of the conservation area and put it at risk of losing its designation. Paradoxically, it is this lack of investment in the conservation area has meant that Wentworth Street has retained much of its historic quality and charm of mainly 19th century low rise, narrow frontage, fine grain buildings and the market stalls, creating a continuous, harmonious and charming townscape.

    Current regeneration plans will use the built historic environment on Wentworth Street and neighbouring streets to act as a catalyst to support local businesses by developing its distinctive identity and the social vitality of the street. Funding for the programme comes from LBTH through section 106 obligations as part of the 'Middlesex Street Regeneration Programme' and from Historic England through the national 'High Street Heritage Action Zone' funding scheme. The programme has as its goal making the high street a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time.

    Alongside shopfront improvements, improved public spaces and the repair and conversion of the disused underground Victorian toilet on Leyden Street, there will be a cultural programme, historic building skills training and locally commissioned art work. LBTH is also working with the City of London to improve operations and layout of the market, introduce better facilities, enhance the public realm and introduce a new brand for the market.

    Projects

    • Shopfront restoration and refurbishment - Revitalisation of Wentworth Street business frontages to reduce the number of solid shutters for open grilles, as well as restoring tired properties to their original look.
    • Leyden Street Toilets - Refurbishment of the Leyden Street toilets to re-provide a public accessible toilet as well as a new commercial space for a food & beverage operator.
    • Petticoat Lane Art Trail - Supporting local artists with opportunities to create murals on gable walls, working with creative stakeholders to install art pieces, improve links and wayfinding to neighbouring areas.
    • Public Realm Improvements - Redesigning and creating new public space within the Petticoat Lane Market area. Creating green spaces and places for seating to enjoy on market days as well as lighting, wayfinding and pavement upgrades.

    If you would like more information about any of these projects, highstreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. or call 0207 345 6854 to arrange a callback.

  • Leyden Street Toilets Refurbishment

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    The Council have also invested capital into revitalising the former Leyden Street Toilets, by re-providing a new public accessible toilet, but also creating a new space for a commercial tenant that will provide a food and drink offer.

    The improvements will also include the installation of new trees and planters to the area, additional seating and much needed improvements to the street itself.

    The street will become inaccessible to vehicles and will create a safer through route for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

    Work began on site on the 5th May 2022 and is due to be completed by December 2022.


  • Petticoat Lane Art Trail

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    Alongside this project, the Council are introducing an Art Trail into the area that will help drive footfall back into the area by installing art pieces in prominent locations in the area using blank gable walls, installing signage to commemorate local heroes and institutions and also look at installing a commercial projector that will involve members of communities input.

Page last updated: 30 Nov 2023, 04:20 PM