FAQs

The programme is being led by the Council’s Regeneration Team, working closely with Markets Services and other Council Teams.

Project Centre are the lead consultant employed by the Council and are working closely with Greig & Stephenson Architects, who previously developed outline designs for the market stalls with TfL.

Public realm works are being delivered by JB Riney, and the market stall prototype by Contraworx.

Whitechapel Road, including the pavements and highway, is a TLRN and is owned by TfL. TfL are a supportive partner to the Council.

The WRIP builds upon a number of studies that have previously been undertaken by the Council and TfL to investigate solutions to the challenges facing Whitechapel. These studies weren’t progressed beyond feasibility stage due to a combination of funding, resourcing and prioritisation issues within both organisations.

Whitechapel Road is the cultural and historical heart of Whitechapel, and home to its iconic street market. It is experiencing rapid transformation with the arrival of Crossrail, the Council’s new Town Hall, and other forthcoming investments. The Council and TfL are working in partnership to improve the area in response to emerging developments and funding is confirmed to design and deliver the improvements.

No! Whitechapel Market is one of the most iconic street markets in London and the WRIP seeks to preserve and enhance what makes it so great.

Feasibility Report

Initial work commenced in Winter 2020 and a feasibility report was prepared by the Council’s consultants Project Centre in Spring 2021. The report builds on the historic work completed by the Council and TfL  and established a joint vision for the area.

Markets Survey

The Council and consultants The Assembly Line carried out a survey in Spring 2021 consulting on its 10 street markets in order to create the first borough-wide action plan for the Council’s markets. The strategy will cover the borough’s market operations and help inform their future management with an action plan for individual markets, including an expanded focus on Whitechapel Market to support the WRIP. The strategy will run from 2021 to 2026 approximately. 

Engagement 

The Council’s Regeneration Team, Market Services and Greig & Stephenson Architects previously introduced the WRIP project to market traders at a webinar held in July 2021, and also met with members of the Whitechapel Market Trader Association in September 2021 ahead of two engagement events held in October 2021 where the feedback was received on the market stall design direction. A summary of these engagement events can be read here.

Southern Footway Delivery

The public realm improvement works along the southern footway of Whitechapel Road between New Road and Sidney Street are now largely complete. Works undertaken include:

• Replacement of concrete paving slabs with new Yorkstone paving
• Replacement of concrete kerbs on the cycle lane with new granite kerbs
• Introduction of street furniture include benches and cycle stands
• Green areas with planting towards the east of the scheme

A number of small snagging items remain to be completed, including the introduction of new lamp columns with pedestrian lighting; new bins; and the removal of a number of phone boxes.

Prototype Stalls

Installation of the prototype stalls has now been completed on the northern footway, with the stalls officially opened by Cllr Abdul Wahid on 30th August 2023.

The prototype will be tested by traders to allow them to provide feedback on the functionality of the stalls, and allow the design team to consider amendments for the next phase. Feedback on the prototype is welcome from all; email lbth.regeneration@towerhamlets.gov.uk with any comments.

Yes, definitely! We want to hear from residents/visitors, businesses, market traders and community groups throughout the design process and there will be lots of opportunities to provide feedback and take part in consultation events. This page will be the central point for all communication and engagement updates. If you would like to stay informed about the progress of the WRIP, please subscribe opposite. If you have any questions, please email LBTHRegeneration@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Funding is confirmed from the Council's capital programme and the Levelling Up Fund to design and deliver the improvements.

Works will be taken forward in a phased manner to minimise disruption and businesses will be consulted in detail prior to the start of construction. Works to the Southern Footway have now been completed, with the exception of a number of snagging items. Design work on the northern pavement and market stalls is underway, and works will be phased to align with works by TfL on their property repairs project in order to minimise disruption

The prototype market stalls were opened on 31st August 2023 for testing and feedback by market traders.

Upgrades and improvements to the market’s management i.e. waste, storage and toilet solutions will be delivered independently from the market stall and public realm improvements.

The WRIP focuses on the area of Whitechapel Road from the junctions with New Road and Vallance Road, to Cambridge Heath Road and Sydney Street and comprises three stands:

• Public Realm: enhancements to the quality, organisation and functionality of the street to increase accessibly, wayfinding and safety, and clearly define spaces for different uses and activities.
• Market Stalls: Upgrading the market stall infrastructure to make them easier to use and improve the shopping environment.
• Market Management: Determining a vision for the long-term success of the market and improving the day-to-day function of the market operation.

Changes to the highway and traffic improvements are not included in the scope of the programme.

When the improvements take place there will be some disruption that impacts trading but this will be kept to a minimum and market traders will be informed and supported throughout. These arrangements will be confirmed through the evolving design work, and we're keen to receive feedback in the meantime so we can manage this most effectively. Please email LBTHRegeneration@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

There are lots of issues – covering the design of the improvements, any access restrictions and information about the construction work that that will be agreed with stakeholders as part of design development. These arrangements will be confirmed through the evolving design work, and we're keen to receive feedback in the meantime so we can manage this most effectively. Please email LBTHRegeneration@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

There are a number of other developments occurring in the area, including but not limited to; Whitechapel Road, Mount Anvil, Whitechapel Estate and Bath Street Square.

The new Town Hall is a blend of new and the retained Grade II Listed building and is more than just an office for council staff and members, but also democratic services including council chamber and residents hub.

The New Town Hall is now open to the public.

Idea Store Whitechapel is to undergo some changes and improvements that will contribute to the Whitechapel Road Improvements Programme. Design work on the improvements is underway, and further details will be announced in the future.

We have undertaken a study to explore delivery models for improving public toilet provision in Whitechapel. 

One of the recommendations was to develop a Community Toilet Scheme which will allow members of the public to use the toilet facilities in a range of approved local businesses and other organisations during their opening hours free of charge. This project is being delivered by the Council's High Streets Team, for further information please email: highstreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk 

Email us at LBTHRegeneration@towerhamlets.gov.uk to request an accessible format or translated copy of materials, or if you require further assistance.