‘Phase 1’ of Fitzrovia ‘Safe and Healthy Streets Scheme’ given go ahead

Camden Council has approved a small project of street improvements in Fitzrovia, paid for out of the planning gain from a major commercial property redevelopment on Tottenham Court Road.

Phase 1 of “The Fitzrovia Area Safe and Healthy Streets Scheme” will make improvements for walking, wheeling, scooting, and cycling along part of Whitfield Street and Howland Street, and at Tottenham Mews.

Costing around £620,000 it will be funded from a section 106 agreement which provides for public realm improvements from developer Derwent London as part of its planning permission for the Network Building.

In May 2023 a cyclist died in a collision with the driver of a truck leaving the same construction site.

The public realm proposals, which were largely supported in the public consultation from 20 May to 10 June 2024, provide for junction improvements to reduce traffic speed and promote safety at two junctions along Howland Street and at the junction of Tottenham Mews and Tottenham Street.

A new “mandatory” cycle track will put in as a contraflow along Whitfield Street between Howland Street and Maple Street, replacing the existing “advisory” track.

In response to comments received in the public consultation the design has been amended to provide a kerbed separation between the cycle track and the carriageway to improve safety for cyclists.

Along part of Whitfield Street and Howland Street rain gardens and up to eight new trees will be planted (subject to ground condition surveys) within widened pavement areas.

However, three mature trees were removed at this location to enable the demolition and construction of the Network Building.

A number of parking bays and electric vehicle (EV) charging bays will be relocated and new double yellow lines will be installed either side of junctions in the project area.

Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, approved the plans set out in a report. The scheme will now proceed to a Traffic Management Order and consultation in October 2024, detailed design, and construction beginning in May 2025.

Camden Council decision details: Fitzrovia Area Safe and Healthy Street Scheme, Phase 1.