New parks and cycle lanes planned for central London in 55m makeover

"Camden Council, with financial backing from Transport for London (TfL) has published the first sketches of how Holborn could look after its Liveable Neighbourhood revamp of several streets in and around Holborn. According to the council, the aim of the multi-million pound project is for residents to be able to breathe clean air, with more plants and trees, in beautiful new and improved spaces."

"The Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood website adds: We want it to be easy and fast to get around by sustainable and healthy types of transport. An artist's impression of the planned scheme on Great Ormond Street As part of the changes, the council is also proposing to limit or restrict motor vehicle access at several junctures by making roads one-way only, including at John's Mews in Bloomsbury."

"The Town Hall is also floating pedestrianising Great Russell Street altogether, and making Great Ormond Street one-way except for ambulances coming to and from the nearby hospital. While the sketches give the public an early idea of what the revamped neighbourhood will look like, the council is still gathering feedback on the designs until February. After that, it will develop a draft proposal to be put to formal public consultation in summer 2026, according to the current timeline."

Camden Council, backed by Transport for London, unveiled initial sketches for a £55 million Liveable Neighbourhood revamp covering streets around Holborn. The scheme proposes cycle lanes, traffic limits, one-way roads, selective pedestrianisation, and expanded planting to improve air quality and public space. Specific measures include one-way restrictions at John's Mews, pedestrianising Great Russell Street, and making Great Ormond Street one-way except for hospital ambulances. The council is collecting public feedback through February and plans a draft proposal ahead of formal public consultation in summer 2026. Residents have reported concerns about motorbikes, dangerous junctions, and differing priorities between cyclists and pedestrians.

Read at www.standard.co.uk