West End Project - Transforming the Tottenham Court Road Area

Closed 1 Aug 2014

Opened 9 Jun 2014

Contact

West End Project team

WestendProject@camden.gov.uk

Feedback updated 29 Jan 2015

We asked

In June and July 2014, we consulted local people on their views of the traffic and public realm proposals of the West End Project, to transform the Tottenham Court Road area, making it safer and more attractive for residents and visitors, creating new public spaces and providing a good public realm to attract and sustain business. The project includes replacing the one-way system with two-way streets, introducing some protected cycle lanes and more trees, to reduce congestion and pollution across the area, improve road safety, widen pavements, improve pedestrian crossings and make bus journeys quicker.

You said

The results of the public consultation showed support for the overall West End Project proposals as well as for most elements of the project including proposals for Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street and New Oxford Street, the plaza at St Giles Circus, the new public space at Princes Circus and the new park at Alfred Place. Two aspects of the project were not supported by the majority of respondents; the proposed loading hours on Tottenham Court Road and restricting taxi access on Tottenham Court Road.

We did

In January 2015, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to implement the West End Project proposals including restricting taxis on Tottenham Court Road, but with a number of amendments, such as to loading hours in the area, in response to comments received during the consultation. The full report can be accessed at http://democracy.camden.gov.uk/mgA.aspx?M=5156 (item 16). The project will be delivered in phases and completed in 2018 in time for the opening of Crossrail.

Results updated 29 Jan 2015

The results of the public consultation showed support for the overall West End Project proposals as well as for most elements of the project including proposals for Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street and New Oxford Street, the plaza at St Giles Circus, the new public space at Princes Circus and the new park at Alfred Place.

Two aspects of the project were not supported by the majority of respondents; the proposed loading hours on Tottenham Court Road and restricting taxi access on Tottenham Court Road.

The proposals for consultation included making Tottenham Court Road bus and cycle only, for 40% of its length, 8am – 7pm, Monday to Saturday. East-west routes would still be permitted. The proposals restricted general traffic, including taxis, from entering sections of Tottenham Court Road during these hours. Allowing taxis to use the full length of Tottenham Court Road, as well as buses and cycles, was not recommended as this would increase the volume of traffic on Tottenham Court Road by up to 24% compared to restricting them, increase levels of pollution and road danger and would therefore worsen conditions for walking and cycling and reduce journey time benefits for buses.

In January 2015, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to implement the West End Project proposals including restricting taxis on Tottenham Court Road, but with a number of amendments, such as loading hours in the area, in response to comments received during the consultation:

  • Layout of bus stands on St Giles High Street and Earnshaw Street.
  • Improved cycle facilities in the Princes Circus area including a new cycle link across New Oxford Street and “stepped cycle tracks” on Shaftesbury Avenue, and changes to one-ways and parking and loading on Bucknall Street and Dyott Street.
  • Retaining bus stops on Tottenham Court Road close to Goodge Street underground station.
  • Quiet out of normal hours delivery trial on main streets in the area and increasing loading restrictions on side streets.
  • Widen the cycle lanes on Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street and provide stepped cycle tracks between the pavement and the road.
  • Including a loading area on the south side of Torrington Place.
  • Undertaking a trial to reduce through traffic on Torrington Place
  • Approve the streets being made two-way for cycling except for Chenies Street and Grafton Way.
  • Additional loading bays on Tottenham Court Road.
  • Relocation and extension of the taxi rank outside the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road.
  • An additional taxi rank on Grafton Way east, close to University College London Hospital.
  • Changes to proposed waiting and loading arrangements on Grafton Way, Bedford Avenue, Morwell Street, Bucknall Street, Denmark Street, including additional Blue Badge disabled bays on Grafton Way, Maple Street, Morwell Street, and Denmark Street.
  • Changes to the direction of streets including Huntley Street, Chenies Mews, Morwell Street, Streatham Street, Bainbridge Street, Bucknall Street and Dyott Street.
  • Changes to turning arrangements at Hanway Street/Tottenham Court Road/Great Russell Street, Grape Street/High Holborn, Shaftesbury Avenue/Bucknall Street.

Due to the scale of the project, it will be delivered in phases and completed in 2018 in time for the opening of Crossrail. The scheme would be reviewed one year after implementation.

Files:

Overview

The West End Project will transform the Tottenham Court Road area, making it safer and more attractive for residents, boosting business and creating new public spaces.

There will be a big increase in people coming to the area with the opening of the Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station in 2018, and we need to make sure that the area is safe and welcoming. 

The one-way system will be replaced with two-way tree-lined streets, some protected cycle lanes and new public space. The scheme will reduce congestion and pollution, widen pavements and make bus journeys quicker.

We have secured £26 million of investment to improve Camden's West End. The improvements will unlock the area's potential, boosting business and creating new public spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.

The project will be delivered by 2018 in time for the opening of Crossrail, when Tottenham Court Road station will be busier than Heathrow Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity to comment on the Council's proposals for transforming the Tottenham Court Road area. Visit the West End Project website for find out more about the proposals and complete the survey.  The consultation closes on 1 August 2014.

Please provide your postal address in order for us to be able to consider your views.  We are only able to accept ONE reply per household, business or organisation. 

 

Areas

  • Bloomsbury
  • Holborn and Covent Garden

Audiences

  • Businesses
  • Community and voluntary groups
  • Council tenants
  • Disabled people
  • Emergency services
  • Local groups and organisations
  • Police
  • Residents
  • Statutory Groups

Interests

  • Business and local economy
  • Community and living
  • Environment
  • Housing
  • Policing and public safety
  • Transport and streets