Archway town centre revitalised with opening of new public space

Islington Council has officially opened the new public space at the heart of Archway’s £12.6m transformation.

The new space is a central part of the revitalisation of Archway, offering a welcoming new place for residents and visitors to meet, relax, and enjoy, and for community events.

It was created in partnership with the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL), as part of major work to replace the traffic dominated and outdated, inefficient one-way gyratory with two-way traffic, thereby helping to reconnect the town centre and shops.

The public space was officially opened by Jeremy Corbyn MP, on 22 August.

Benefits of the new public space include:

• Better access to the town centre for pedestrians, with improved pedestrian crossings on Holloway Road and to local shops and businesses;
• Safer, dedicated cycle routes separated from motor vehicles; and
• A connected town centre with a more pleasant, accessible and safe area for local residents, pedestrians and cyclists.

Jeremy Corbyn MP said:

“Over the past three decades there has been a steady reallocation of space in London to help pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Archway's new layout provides wonderful pedestrianised areas, newly-planted trees and improved cycle routes.

The public should be thanked for their patience with the works and participation in discussions about how to improve our community.”

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said:

“This once in a lifetime scheme is the culmination of a massive joint effort to transform what was once a fragmented, traffic dominated area into a safe, attractive public space that local communities and visitors alike can enjoy; encouraging more to walk and cycle and lead healthier lives.

“The improvements have also created more efficient and people-friendly transport links, unlocking access to housing, local businesses and employment opportunities.

“However, this massive transformation would not have been possible without the patience and support of local residents, whom we wholeheartedly thank.'

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Val Shawcross, said:

“This is a wonderful new scheme, and the changes should make a real difference making walking, cycling and public transport an easier option for everyone living and working around Archway.

With a new pedestrian area, a segregated cycle route and improved crossings, it will substantially improve the local environment, and help attract more people to businesses in the area. Working with councils like Islington, these are the kind of improvements we want to see rolled out across all parts of London.”

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said:

“It is fantastic to see the benefits of these major changes to the road network being enjoyed by so many locally. I’d like to thank Archway residents and businesses for their support while the transformational work to create the segregated cycle route, new vibrant community space and improved crossings took place. We hope they continue to enjoy their safer and better connected town centre for many years to come.”

For further information please contact:

Kate Robson
Senior Media Officer
Islington Council
Room G16, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
Tel: 0207 527 8004
Out of hours mob: 07769 163303
Alternative contact: Media line 020 7527 2307
www.islington.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonBC and @IslingtonLife