The City of London Corporation has approved proposals to transform the streets and public realm between the old Museum of London site and St. Paul’s Underground station, through the partial removal of the 1970’s gyratory.

The plans include the closure of the southern section of King Edward Street, which will enable the creation of a large, new public space which, at just over 3000sqm, would be larger than Aldgate Square.

After extensive public and stakeholder engagement, 2,500 people expressed majority support for new public space on King Edward Street, as well as measures to improve the environment for people walking and cycling.

The partial removal of the gyratory system sees the introduction of a two-way lane for all vehicles on Newgate Street and St Martin Le Grand, to its junction with Angel Street. Comprehensive improvements for people walking and cycling will be delivered, including better crossing facilities and protected cycle lanes where space permits. 

The proposals are mindful of the City Corporation’s wider planning objectives which include:

• Reducing road danger and traffic collisions towards the ‘Vision Zero’ target;
• Improving air quality by reducing NO2 levels;
• Creating new public spaces and improving existing public realm; and
• Minimising the impact on the wider highway traffic network, including bus journey and emergency response times.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, Shravan Joshi, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to approve the St Paul’s Gyratory proposals which have come about after extensive engagement with such a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring that the completed works benefit everyone. These works will greatly benefit the cultural offer of the Square Mile, by creating a corridor for pedestrians from the Tate Modern to the London Museum.

“As footfall across Central London continues to rise, the overall work programme at St Paul’s Gyratory will make it a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone to travel through. It means we can enhance this public space in line with our Destination City policy to make the Square Mile a desirable, safe and inclusive visitor destination.”

About Destination City:

The City of London Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Find out more about the Destination City Programme here: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/destinationcity.