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Islington Labour has been campaigning for years for the removal of the dangerous Old Street Gyratory and had repeatedly called on the previous Mayor of London and TfL to prioritise funding towards the transformation of Old Street. This will make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve air quality and the urban environment.

Our recent joint announcement with Hackney Council and the Mayor of London means we are one step closer to removing the outdated 1960’s roundabout to create a safer, cleaner and more attractive layout for local people.

Changes to the Old Street roundabout area will include:

  • Segregated cycle lanes, low level cycle signals and new surface-level pedestrian crossings,
  • Two new station entrances to improve accessibility for public transport users and encourage more active and sustainable travel,
  • Reintroduction of two-way traffic to improve accessibility and direct movement,
  • Permanently closing the north-western ‘arm’ of the roundabout to traffic to create an attractive new pedestrianised public space, which will flow into the ‘Promenade of Lights’ in Bunhill Ward.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, says: “I am pleased that, after years of campaigning by Islington Labour and in particular the Bunhill Labour Councillors, we have secured the removal of the dangerous Old Street roundabout. We are now one step closer to transforming the rather dull, traffic dominated Old Street area into an iconic gateway, that will become more attractive and people-powered, driving environmental and economic improvements for all, so that it is fit for the future.”

The Old Street Iconic Gateway initiative

As part of the transformation of Old Street, the Council has decided to do more with this world- renowned location and create a more ‘iconic gateway’ that reflects its artistic, cultural, technological, cultural and creative nature. Councillor Claudia Webbe led and put Islington’s ideas to the Mayor of London, TfL and Hackney Council. They agreed that more should be done to create a more dynamic and inspiring set of public spaces, and agreed to even potentially change the way that the sky-high digital advertising boards are displayed.

With Councillor Webbe’s leadership, Islington Council with the Mayor of London, Transport for London and Hackney Council issued an ‘Open Call for Design Ideas’ seeking innovative design concepts for what has now been called the ‘Old Street Iconic Gateway’ project. Islington Council wants to create a more attractive area that is people-powered.

Islington Council has set aside £1 million towards funding the creation of the Old Street ‘iconic gateway’, in addition to the amount TfL has already agreed in relation to the Old Street Gyratory Removal Project.

It is hoped Old Street will be more iconic and more embracing of local people and visitors alike, where all can benefit from employment, clean air, active travel, technological improvements and energy efficiency.

39 longlisted design entries for the Old Street ‘iconic gateway’ are currently being exhibited and local people have the opportunity to have their say on their preferred design. A judging panel chaired by Councillor Webbe will then produce a shortlist in late March.

Cllr Webbe continues: “We are committed to creating safer and healthier streets for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, commuters and people who live and work nearby will all benefit from an exciting and safer Old Street. The longlisted design entries embrace the spirit of Old Street’s Tech City, art and creativity and I encourage everyone who wants to help shape the future of Old Street to visit the public exhibition and have their say.”

The public exhibition is open now at 2-4 Old Street Yard (1st Floor, Building 3), London EC1Y 8AF (behind the White Collar Factory). The exhibition will be open weekdays from 12pm to 6pm until Friday 2nd March. For more information and to view and vote on the designs, visit the Council website.

Pictured: The Old Street roundaout

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