L I VERPOOL STREET ARE A ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY
June 2013
2
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A S T R AT EGY
Liverpool Street Area
Enhancement Strategy
The Strategy comprises two sections:
• Part 1 - Area Enhancement Strategy - Executive summary &
context
• Part 2 - Area Enhancement Strategy - Evidence which supports
Part 1 and provides more detailed information
Part 1 of the Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy includes
the relevant policy framework that the strategy responds to, as well
as setting out the vision and objectives, and identifying priorities and
areas of opportunity. It is intended to be read in conjunction with
the Core Strategy. Particular focus should be given to policy CS5 The
North of the City (see figure 3) which identifies pressures for change
and opportunities, as a result of public transport improvements in the
area.
Part 2 includes a detailed spatial analysis, identifying needs and
providing specific project guidance aimed towards delivering the
vision for the area. In addition, it illustrates possible design solutions
which would help to achieve the objectives described in Part 1.
3
4
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A S T R AT EGY
PART ONE
CONTENTS
1 • 1.1 1.2
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Introduction
Policy framework
1.2.1 Core Strategy
6
6
6
1.2.2 Core Strategy - Spatial Strategy
1.2.3 Other Policy Considerations
1.3
1.4
Area Enhancement Strategies
The Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy
9
9
2 • 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 THE LIVERPOOL STREET AREA
Challenges and Pressures for Change
Strategy boundary
Location
History and Conservation Areas
Challenges and Pressures for Change 10
3 • 3.1 3.2
3.3
3.4 OBJECTIVES AND VISION
Objectives Vision
Priority Areas Achieving the Objectives
15
15
18
18
20
10
10
11
12
5
1 • INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 Introduction
1.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK
1.2.3 Other Policy Considerations
The City of London or ‘Square Mile’ as it is known, is the historic
core from which the modern city developed and is the heart
of London’s international financial and business centre. It is a
unique place with distinct environmental, social and economic
characteristics. It is home to approximately 9,000 residents, provides
employment for over 370,000 workers and attracts over four million
visitors each year.
This section establishes the policy framework which provides the
context for the Liverpool Street Area Strategy and informs its content.
Figure 1 sets out the inter-relationships between national, regional
and local policy.
The Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy should also be read
in conjunction with the following publications:
1.2.1 Core Strategy
• The City Of London Corporate Plan (2012 – 2016)
In line with the City of London Core Strategy, the City needs to
plan for future growth in order to ensure that the area functions
successfully, provides a suitable environment and maintains the
City’s status as the world’s leading international financial/business
centre. The challenge facing the City is to coordinate the delivery
of sustainable long-term economic growth whilst at the same time
providing for the population growth and protecting and improving
the environment and quality of life. The City is expected to see
continued growth in the medium to longer term with the working
population anticipated to increase by 60,000 people to 428,000 by 2026
(City of London Core Strategy, Sept 2011, p. 12).
National Guidance
National Planning Policy Framework
Regional Plans
London Plan and Mayoral Strategies
Planning Policies for London as a whole
Local Strategies:
Such as the “City Together Strategy”
and the “Community Strategy”
Higher level objectives for the City
Local Plan
The Local Plan must be in conformity with the
national and regional documents as well as the
Community Strategy
Unitary Development Plan
Core Strategy
Emerging Local Plan
Supplementary Planning Documents
provide further detail on specific subjects such
as trees, protected views, conservation areas
and area enhancement strategies.
Figure 1: The inter-relationships between National Policy and the Local Development
Framework.
6
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
The City of London Core Strategy 2011 establishes the City’s policy
approach to spatial planning issues, supplemented by the City of
London Unitary Development Plan 2002. The City’s Core Strategy
was adopted by resolution of the Court of Common Council on 8
September 2011 and provides the long-term vision, spatial strategy
and strategic policies for the City. The Liverpool Street Area
Enhancement Strategy must be consistent with the Core Strategy and
specifies in more detail how public realm enhancement can contribute
towards the delivery of Core Strategy policies for this area.
The City Corporation consulted on a new draft Local Plan in early
2013. When adopted in 2014, the Local Plan will replace the existing
planning guidance in the City, building on the strategic policies in
the Core Strategy (including those addressing the Liverpool Street
area) and setting out new detailed policies to guide the determination
of planning applications.
1.2.2 Core Strategy – Spatial Strategy
The Core Strategy establishes the City’s policy approach to spatial
planning issues. The Spatial Strategy which is contained within
the Core Strategy sets out the City’s Vision and Strategic objectives.
The Spatial Strategy also identifies key places in the City which face
particular challenges over the next 20 years (see Figure 2). The most
relevant ‘Key City Place’ to the Liverpool Street Area Enhancement
Strategy is the North of the City area (see also Figure 3).
• The London Plan 2011
• City of London Local Implementation Plan 2011
• City of London Community Strategy (2008 – 2014)
• Bishopsgate Conservation Area
• City of London Cultural Strategy 2010 – 2014
• City of London Noise Strategy
• City of London Air Quality Strategy
• City of London Tree Strategy SPD 2012
Th
Figure 2: Key Diagram
es
am
k
lin
Islington
Hackney
Lon
don
Over
grou
nd
il
ssra
Cro
Crossra
il
Camden
The North of the City
Aldgate
Eastern
Cluster
Cheapside
Spatial Strategy, Vision and Strategic Objectives
Page 15
To w e r H a m l e t s
Thames &
the Riverside
City of
Westminster
er T
R iv
es
ham
Rive
r
Southwark
Lambeth
Th
am
Tha
m
es
es
link
City of London Boundary
London Overground Station
Principal Shopping Centre
Riverside Walk
Wholesale Market
Mainline Railway
City Fringe Opportunity Area
Principal Shopping Centre route
River Pier
Combined Heat
& Power Station
Major Rail Scheme
Area for Intensification
Visitor Attraction
Safeguarded Wharf
Hospital
Railway Station
Residential Area
Visitor route
Education
Note: The City of London and surrounding City fringes form part of London’s Central Activities Zone. Commercial offices will remain the main land use in the City with other uses dominant in certain parts.
This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office c Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. (City of London Corporation 100023243) (2010)
Figure 2: The City’s Spatial Strategy
Figure 3: Map of the North of the City Key Place, in which the Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy lies
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
7
Figure 4: City-wide Area Enhancement Strategies
8
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
1.3 Area Enhancement Strategies
In order to deliver projects that support the objectives of the Core
strategy, the City has developed an area-based approach. The
coverage of the City by Area Enhancement Strategies is shown on
the plan at Figure 4. The strategies deal almost exclusively with the
enhancement of highways and the public realm under the City’s
stewardship, either as Highway Authority or Open Spaces. The
Area Strategies enable a co-ordinated approach to the public realm
to be taken when considering planning applications or any works to
the highways or public realm in the City. It will also help to ensure
that the City makes decisions transparently, providing clarity for
members of the public and giving more confidence to developers
and property owners.
1.4 The Liverpool Street Area
Enhancement Strategy
The Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy sets out the
City’s vision for transportation and public realm improvements in
the Liverpool Street area over the next 5 to 10 years. It provides a
framework to ensure that works are coordinated and improvements
are prioritised making the best use of available funds. This
approach allows the City to plan for future growth, in accordance
with Core Strategy Policies of the LDF.
The Strategy comprises two sections:
Part 1 of the Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy Part
1 includes the relevant policy framework that the strategy is
responding to, as well as setting out the vision and objectives, and
identifying priorities and areas of opportunity. It is intended to be
read in conjunction with the Core Strategy. Particular focus should
be given to policy CS5 The North of the City (see figure 3) which
identifies pressures for change and opportunities, as a result of
public transport improvements in the area.
Part 2 includes a detailed spatial analysis, identifying needs and
providing specific project guidance aimed towards delivering
the vision for the area. In addition, it illustrates possible design
solutions which would help to achieve the objectives described in
the Part 1.
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
9
2 • THE LIVERPOOL STREET AREA
2.1 Strategy Boundary
The Liverpool Street area focuses on a defined area with the Liverpool Street
station at its centre (see Figure 5 below). The strategy area is on the border with
the London Boroughs of Islington to the northwest, Hackney to the north and
Tower Hamlets to the east. To the south east are the City’s Eastern City Cluster
of tall buildings and Aldgate and Tower Area Enhancement Strategy Areas. The
southern boundary falls along London Wall and Wormwood Street; to the west is
the Barbican Estate and St. Paul’s.
2.2 Location
Liverpool Street is located in the north east of the City, with the Liverpool Street
station at its centre. This station acts as a major transport hub with Underground,
National Rail and bus services, as well as airport coaches and taxis ranks.
The strategy area is highly impacted by the construction works associated
with Crossrail and the planned Crossrail stations, and two new entrances
will be located at Moorgate and Liverpool Street. This is anticipated to bring
an additional 15,000 commuters to the area at peak times and will increase
pedestrian movements, demand for transport (especially interchange) as well as
for accessible and pleasant public spaces. Crossrail construction works will cause
major disruption to pedestrian and vehicle movements in the area, particularly
around Liverpool Street and Moorfields. Although this is acknowledged, the
proposals in the strategy are based on the completion of the Crossrail station in
2018.
The Liverpool Street area forms part of the dynamic heart of the City of London,
key to its historic and contemporary status as home of a number of London’s
financial and business communities. A thriving commercial centre, it is an
internationally recognised financial and business services centre.
10
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
Figure 5: Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy boundary
2.3 History and Conservation Areas
The Liverpool Street area townscape is derived from its historical
development and its situation immediately outside London’s old
city wall. The evolution over time of the Liverpool Street area has
left many layers of history to be discovered, enjoyed and built
upon to create a public realm with both the capacity and quality
to meet the demands of the new developments associated with the
City’s emerging ‘Eastern Cluster’ of tall buildings which lies to the
south of the strategy area. The street pattern comprises medieval
lanes and alleyways, overlain by later, wider streets. The dense
nature of development is ameliorated by a number of small open
spaces such as former churchyards.
ST LUKE’S
SOUTH SHOREDITCH
BUNHILL AND FINSBURY SQUARE
FOURNIER STREET
ELDER STREET
CHISWELL STREET
BREWERY
SUN STREET
The strategy area is characterised by many historically important
listed and historic buildings and historic street patterns located
within the Bishopsgate, New Broad Street and Finsbury Circus
Conservation Areas. The strategy area is also surrounded by the
Bank Conservation Area, Artillery Passage Conservation Area (LB
Tower Hamlets), Sun Street Conservation Area (LB Hackney), and
Finsbury Square Conservation Area (LB Islington) - see Figure 6.
ARTILLERY PASSAGE
FINSBURY CIRCUS
BISHOPSGATE
WENTWORTH STREET
NEW BROAD STREET
WHITECHAPEL
HIGHSTREET
FOSTER LANE
GUILDHALL
ST HELEN’S PLACE
CONSERVATION AREAS
City of London
LB Islington
BANK
LB Hackney
LB Tower Hamlets
Borough Boundaries
Wider Area Survey Boundary
Figure 6– Conservation areas in the vicinity of the Liverpool Street Area
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
11
2.4 Challenges and pressures for change
As identified in the City’s Core Strategy, the Liverpool Street area faces
many challenges and pressures for change. These impact greatly on
how the area functions and will become further exacerbated if not
addressed.
2.4.1 A World Financial and Business Centre: The Challenges
There are several Core Strategy policies that are relevant to this
subject, including CS1 (Offices), CS2 (Utilities Infrastructure), CS3
(Security and Safety), CS4 (Planning Contributions), CS5 (The North
of the City), CS10 (Design), CS12 (Historic Environment), CS16 (Public
Transport, Streets and Walkways) and CS19 (Open Spaces and
Recreation).
The Liverpool Street area is a major transport interchange,
accommodating high numbers of pedestrians and vehicles every day.
New developments such as the significant transport improvements
delivered through Crossrail, 201 Bishopsgate, 5 Broadgate and those in
the nearby Eastern City Cluster and in the London Borough of Tower
Hamlets will add significantly to these numbers.
Unusually for the City, it is also extremely busy during the weekend,
with a great number of visitors attracted to nearby Petticoat Lane,
Spitalfield and Brick Lane markets. The area is also extremely busy
at night, especially in the station and its surroundings that remain
busy with commuters travelling home and a large number of people
heading to nightclubs and bars, particularly towards Shoreditch.
The increased numbers of commuters, workers and visitors will need
to be successfully accommodated on the area’s streets in order that it
remains a dynamic, attractive and desirable place to work and visit,
and maintains its status as a leading international hub for the finance
and business communities. The east to west and north to south routes
running through the Liverpool Street area will become an increasingly
vital link as this part of the City continues to grow in prominence and
density.
2.4.2 The North of the City: The Challenges
• Liverpool Street & Moorgate stations and Crossrail
12
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
The construction and operation of Crossrail will bring major benefits
to the City, but the implications for the northern part of the City will
need to be carefully managed so that its full potential is realised.
Crossrail construction works will have a significant impact on
pedestrian permeability and the overall appearance of the area in the
period up to its opening in 2018.
Liverpool Street station is a major transport interchange, and the
number of pedestrians in this area is set to significantly increase due
to new Crossrail station entrances at both Moorgate and Liverpool
Street stations. This is anticipated to bring an additional 15,000
commuters to the area at peak times, and will increase pedestrian
movements, demand for transport (especially interchange) as well as
for both accessible and pleasant public spaces. It is also anticipated
that a considerable proportion of people working in or visiting the
Eastern City Cluster will pass through Liverpool Street station.
• Airport coaches in Bishopsgate
Airport coach services have become very popular in recent years as
budget travel from Stansted airport has increased. Services run late
into the night, making them a convenient choice for early flights.
These buses often stop for lengthy periods of time on Bishopsgate,
and as a consequence obstruct part of the carriageway, affecting other
traffic and cyclists. Passengers, often carrying large suitcases, wait for
services on the pavement on Bishopsgate before moving across to form
a queue when an airport coach arrives, and this causes obstructions on
the pavements and hinders pedestrian movement.
For many of the tourists arriving on these coaches, their arrival on
Bishopsgate is their first experience of London. At night the area can
feel hostile. This is particularly evident at weekends when nightclubgoers return to adjacent bus stops on Bishopsgate to wait for night
buses.
• Cycling
More than 2,000 cyclists use the Bishopsgate corridor daily, making
15% of the road traffic, and numbers are predicted to continue to grow
(Source: A10 Bishopsgate Corridor Study, JMP, 2008).
The main cycle routes through the east of the City are Bishopsgate
running north-south and Primrose - Appold - Sun Street running
east-west. Routes alongside Bishopsgate are limited by the large scale
developments which occupy full blocks.
The City of London has already undertaken a number of projects in
the area to convert one-way streets to accommodate two-way cycling,
including Moor Place, Finsbury Circus, Liverpool Street and Eldon
Street. Many other streets are also being surveyed and re-designed
to ease cycle movement as part of the proposed Cycle Permeability
Programme.
Bishopsgate can be a hostile environment for cyclists. There are very
few cycle lanes, and these are limited to a few short sections. The cycle
lanes are badly maintained and this results in cyclists choosing to
cycle outside the bicycle lane, which is busy with cars, taxis, buses and
lorries.
The demand for cycle parking by far exceeds the provided spaces.
There are currently seven Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme docking stations
in the area which are in continuous use, with more proposed. Barclays
Cycle Super Highways are also proposed on Bishopsgate and Aldgate
High Street.
• Taxis in the Liverpool Street area
Taxis fulfil an important function in the area. The City of London
Traffic Composition Survey from 2010 noted that, on average, taxis
make up 25.8% of all traffic in the City.
The taxi ranks in Liverpool Street and within the rail station are the
two most significant taxi ranks in the Liverpool Street area. The taxi
rank inside Liverpool Street station is underused, both by passengers
and taxis. Routes to this rank from within the station are not clear
or direct, and signage is poor. The City of London’s pedestrian and
passenger consultations, carried out by ASK For Research in December
2011 revealed that only 24% of the taxi passengers interviewed at the
Liverpool Street taxi rank were aware of the existence of an alternative
taxi rank within the station.
The City of London's Liverpool Street station taxi ranks report
(December 2011) recommends that the City enter discussions with
Network Rail to investigate measures to increase patronage of the
station taxi rank, potentially including improved signage within the
station and better publicity.
Taxis are the biggest contributor to local levels of pollution in the
City of London. The taxi rank at the eastern section of Liverpool
Street has capacity for 15 taxis but is frequently oversubscribed, with
queues leading to delays and congestion on Bishopsgate and localised
increases in pollution levels on Liverpool Street. This negatively affects
the retailers in the area as well as street users.
2.4.3 City Culture and Heritage: The Challenges
In line with Core Strategy Policy CS5 (North of the City) and
CS20 (Retailing), the City’s shop fronts located in Widegate Street,
Bishopsgate and Artillery Lane could be reviewed and rehabilitated,
implementing the City’s shop front guidance in an exemplary way
to encourage use of these main pedestrian routes at the borough
boundary.
There are two Principal Shopping Centres within the strategy area:
Liverpool Street and Moorgate. Retail in the area continues to develop
and in recent years a burgeoning night-time economy has emerged
with bars and nightclubs opening in the Brick Lane and Shoreditch
areas, including busy weekend use. This is causing growing concern
in the area among residents and business occupiers, particularly in
relation to cleansing and anti-social behaviour. Core Strategy policy
CS3 (Security and Safety) aims to ensure that the night-time economy
is proactively managed to minimise disturbance to residents and
workers.
2.4.4Environmental Sustainability: The Challenges
• Environment
Core Strategy policy CS15 (Sustainable development and Climate
Change) aims to create a more sustainable City, adapted to a changing
climate. Core Strategy policy CS16 (Public Transport, Streets and
Walkways) aims to minimise congestion and vehicle emissions. Core
Strategy Policy CS18 (Flood Risk) seeks to ensure that the City remains
at low risk from all types of flooding. Core Strategy policy CS19 (Open
Spaces and Recreation) aims to increase the amount and quality of
open spaces and green infrastructure, while enhancing biodiversity,
including creating additional civic spaces from underused highways
and securing additional open space and pedestrian routes, particularly
in the eastern part of the City.
Air quality is poor in the City and is particularly poor around
Liverpool Street station due to a large number of vehicles in this
area, especially taxis. These vehicles emit the most pollution, with
particularly high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The area would
benefit from easing pedestrian and vehicle movement, and the
removal of the taxi rank in Liverpool Street would reduce air pollution
and provide a better environment for pedestrians.
Since at least the 19th century, trees have been planted in the City’s
streets. These were planted to improve air quality, provide shade and
make the environment more attractive. Planting more street trees
offers substantial benefits to the City community and environment,
especially in the face of climate change and combating air pollution.
Due to the medieval street pattern and the presence of underground
services, it is difficult to find space to plant trees in the Liverpool
Street area and there are very few at present. Some locations are
also sensitive due to the presence of important listed buildings, also
reflected in the conservation area designations.
The historic density of plots in the area also means there are few
public and green spaces, or opportunities for outdoor seating that are
not managed privately, and those that do exist are greatly valued but
highly over-subscribed.
• Pedestrian movements
Walking is by far the dominant movement mode in the area, with
100,000 pedestrians in the 3-hour morning peak in Bishopsgate
(source: Colin Buchanan Liverpool Street Interchange Study Final
Options Report, 2009).
There is a wide range of street types in the area, including wide,
heavily trafficked main streets (Bishopsgate, Moorgate, London Wall);
busy secondary streets (Eldon Street); calm tertiary streets and back
streets (Brushfield Street, Middlesex Street, Sun Street); recently
upgraded streets with raised carriageways (New Street, Devonshire
Row); covered pedestrian routes (Liverpool Street Arcade, Devonshire
Square); narrow alleys and passages (Cock Hill, Catherine Wheel
Alley); and underground service routes and cut-throughs (Sun Street
Passage, subway to Bishopsgate from Liverpool Street station).
Main streets such as Moorgate and Bishopsgate are heavy with
pedestrian traffic, and unsigned cut-throughs through public spaces
such as Broadgate or Devonshire Square are also extremely popular
with commuters.
Moorgate, Old Broad Street and Bishopsgate/Norton Folgate form
the key north-south routes through the area, while London Wall,
Liverpool Street - Eldon Street, Brushfield Street and New Street are
some of the main east-west routes followed.
Future developments including the new Crossrail station exits and
commercial developments proposed in the Eastern City Cluster
and to the north at Principal Place and Bishopsgate Goodsyard are
likely to increase footfall running both north-south and east-west
from Liverpool Street station. Until its opening in 2018, Crossrail
construction works will cause some disruption to pedestrian
permeability in the area.
• Way finding and navigation
In addition to the disruptions to the public realm caused by Crossrail
construction works, the lack of signage and way finding assistance is
a key issue in the area, particularly as visitors arrive onto Bishopsgate
from Liverpool Street station. Many are disorientated and can be
found looking for maps and landmarks. Way finding signs are often
inconsistent, particularly across borough boundaries and between the
public streets and privately managed developments. Four different
way finding systems were observed within a small area.
Outside Liverpool Street station, on Bishopsgate, both signage and
intuitive way finding through visible landmarks is hindered by the
large amounts of clutter on the street.
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
13
14
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
3 • OBJECTIVES AND VISION
The Core Strategy sets out the City’s vision for addressing the
challenges highlighted above and the strategic objectives for
achieving this vision are as follows:
CORE STRATEGY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1
To maintain the City’s position as the world’s leading international
financial and business centre.
CORE STRATEGY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2
To ensure that the challenges facing the five Key City Places
are met, complementing the core business function of the City,
contributing to its unique character and distinguishing it from
other global financial districts.
CORE STRATEGY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3
To promote a high quality of architecture and street scene
appropriate to the City’s position at the historic core of London,
complementing and integrating the City's heritage assets and
supporting the continued development of the City as a cultural
destination for its own communities and visitors.
CORE STRATEGY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4
3.1 Objectives
The key objectives for the Liverpool Street Area Enhancement
Strategy are as follows:
•
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces
for the benefit of the City community that respond to the needs of
the City community;
•
To improve the public realm to accommodate future growth,
ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status
as the world’s leading international financial and business centre;
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve
accessibility of streets and crossings, to ensure that streets and
spaces are inclusive and accessible to all; and
•
To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of
transport and improve perceived safety for pedestrians, especially
at night.
To ensure that the City of London remains at the forefront of
action in response to climate change and other sustainability
challenges that face high density urban environments, aiming to
achieve national and international recognition for its sustainability
initiatives.
CORE STRATEGY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 5
To ensure the provision of inclusive facilities and services that
meet the high expectations of the City’s business, resident, student
and visitor communities, aiming for continuous improvement in
the City’s rating in satisfaction and quality of life surveys.
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
15
The following section lists the relevant Core Strategy policies and the Liverpool Street Area
Enhancement Strategy objectives that relate to these policies:
CORE STRATEGY POLICIES
Policy CS3 – Security and Safety
To ensure that the City is secure from crime, disorder and terrorism, has safe systems of
transport and is designed and managed to satisfactorily accommodate large numbers of people,
thereby increasing public and corporate confidence in the City’s role as the world’s leading
international financial and business centre
Policy CS4 – Planning Contributions
To manage the impact of development, seeking appropriate contributions, having regard to the
impact of the contributions on the viability of development
Policy CS5 - The North of the City
To ensure that the City benefits from the substantial public transport improvements planned in
the north of the City, realising the potential for rejuvenation and “eco design” to complement the
sustainable transport infrastructure
Policy CS10 – Design
To promote a high standard and sustainable design of buildings, streets and spaces, having
regard to their surroundings and the character of the City and creating an inclusive and
attractive environment. Requiring the design and management of buildings, streets and spaces
to provide for the access needs of all the City’s communities, including the particular needs of
disabled people
Policy CS11 - Visitors, Arts and Culture
To maintain and enhance the City’s contribution to London’s world-class cultural status and
to enable the City’s communities to access a range of arts, heritage and cultural experiences, in
accordance with the City Corporation’s Destination Strategy
16
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
OBJECTIVE
•
To improve the lighting of the streetscape
•
To create simple, attractive and welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
•
To provide a prioritisation of improvements to the area for allocation of funding
•
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes
towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre
•
To improve accessibility of streets and crossings thus creating an inclusive street environment for users of varying mobility
levels
•
To enhance walking routes throughout the strategy area
•
To create simple, attractive and welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
•
To improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians
•
To contribute to the smoothing and rationalisation of traffic flows in the area
•
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes
towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre
•
To improve the function of the street environment for all users (motorists/bus/cycle/pedestrian) and mitigate conflict between
these different modes of transport, to ease movement, particularly across junctions and busy streets
•
To improve accessibility of streets and crossings thus creating an inclusive street environment for users of varying mobility
levels
•
To de–clutter any unnecessary street furniture and signage
•
To preserve or enhance the special character of the area and its heritage assets
•
To preserve or enhance the special character of the area and its heritage assets
•
To enhance walking routes throughout the strategy area
•
To investigate the use of play features where appropriate
•
To investigate opportunities for public art
•
To understand and respond to the needs of local residents/businesses
CORE STRATEGY POLICIES
Policy CS12 – Historic Environment
To conserve or enhance the significance of the City’s heritage assets and their settings, and
provide an attractive environment for the City’s communities and visitors
Policy CS15 – Sustainable Development and Climate Change
To enable City businesses and residents to make sustainable choices in their daily activities
creating a more sustainable City, adapted to the changing climate
Policy CS16 – Public Transport Streets and Walkways
To build on the City’s strategic central London position and good transport infrastructure to
further improve the sustainability and efficiency of travel in, to, from and through the City, by
improving conditions for safe and convenient walking and cycling, incorporating adaptation to
the City’s anticipated future climate
Policy CS19 – Open Spaces and Recreation
To encourage healthy lifestyles for all the City’s communities through improved access to open
space and facilities, increasing the amount and quality of open spaces and green infrastructure,
while enhancing biodiversity
OBJECTIVE
•
To preserve or enhance the special character of the area and its heritage assets
•
To protect the historic/medieval origins of the area
•
To identify opportunities for street trees and planting areas throughout the strategy area to promote biodiversity, improve
local air quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect
•
To identify opportunities for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to promote re-use of rainwater and mitigate runoff impacts
on the combined sewer system
•
To identify opportunities for future climate change mitigation, ensuring that public realm improvements are adapted to
climate change
•
To improve function of carriageways and safety for cyclists
•
To improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians
•
To contribute to the smoothing and rationalisation of traffic flows in the area
•
To improve the function of the street environment for all users (motorists/bus/cycle/pedestrian) and mitigate conflict between
these different modes of transport, to ease movement, particularly across junctions and busy streets
•
To introduce more seating in the area with an appropriate mix of seating types
•
To create simple, attractive and welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
•
To identify opportunities for street trees and planting areas throughout the strategy area to promote biodiversity, , improve
local air quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
17
3.2 Vision
3.3.2 Bishopsgate
The City of London needs to plan for future growth in order to ensure
that the area functions well, provides a suitable environment for its
increasing numbers, meets future demands and maintains its status
as the world’s leading international financial and business centre and
remains a dynamic, attractive and desirable place to live, work and
visit.
The Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy will provide a
framework for the future development of the public realm of the area
based on clear evidence of need and requirements for sustainable
growth. Following various discussions with local Ward Members
as well as a number of local residents and businesses, four key
opportunity areas have been identified to establish opportunities
for improvements and potential projects: the Middlesex Street
Area; Bishopsgate; the Sun Street/Eldon Street area; and the area
surrounding the new Crossrail exits in Liverpool Street and Moorgate
(see Figure 7 opposite).
Bishopsgate is a Transport for London Major Route and therefore the
Bishopsgate environmental improvements would be managed by TfL.
Bishopsgate is a very busy street and suffers from the pressure to
accommodate access to many transport types in a limited amount of
space, causing some overlap and conflicts. Bishopsgate is heavily used
by pedestrians and is often congested, a situation that is exacerbated by
the advertisements, signs, planters and posts that clutter its pavements.
This is particularly true with the airport coaches whose queuing
passengers obstruct the pavements in Bishopsgate. The starting point
for proposals for Bishopsgate is therefore one of rationalisation.
3.3 Priority Areas
3.3.1 Artillery Lane and Middlesex Street Areas
The rich history, character and fine grain of the Artillery Lane
neighbourhood bring with it the potential to create a pleasant and
animated route to the Eastern City Cluster area.
The life and use of the area is very active both during week time and as
well the weekend, although Petticoat Lane Market is well known it is
in need of improvement. The area’s characteristic narrow streets are not
heavily trafficked and so have potential as pedestrian routes. Artillery
Lane, Widegate Street and Sandy's Row are some of the narrow
streets that are in need of improvement. Two traffic islands located on
Middlesex Street provide an excellent opportunity for a new public
space.
There is a visible difference in shop front quality across the City
boundary, particularly on Widegate Street, Bishopsgate and Artillery
Lane. The City’s shop fronts could be reviewed and rehabilitated
implementing the City’s shop front policy in an exemplary way to
encourage use of these main pedestrian routes.
18
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
Security and road safety are increasingly important issues in the area,
as a result of its 24-hour activity. The evening and night-time economy
is becoming increasingly active, with more restaurants, bars and clubs
attracting visitors. This is causing growing concern in the area amongst
residents, business occupiers and the customers and traders of Petticoat
Lane and Spitalfield Market, particularly in relation to cleansing of the
environment and anti-social behaviour.
Way finding is also a problem around the station. There is little signage
highlighting the route from the station to the nearby Brick Lane
area and Eastern City Cluster, and the station itself is not visible or
recognisable from a distance. Furthermore, blank frontages and vacant
units fail to provide visual landmarks, and result in a lack of life and
human scale.
The Liverpool Street Area Strategy presents a significant opportunity
to address these problems and improve way finding in the area.
3.3.3 Sun Street / Eldon Street Areas
The Sun Street / Eldon Street area is located at the City borough
boundary and is an area of large, privately managed public spaces
and streets which lack character. This creates a disconnection between
streets of the City of London and those of the London Borough of
Hackney, particularly on Sun Street and Appold Street where large
developments have turned their backs on the streets. As a result, there
is no strong hierarchy of streets, with most lacking active frontages and
identifiable landmarks making way finding difficult.
Sun Street Passage is the busiest pedestrian route in the area but
is partly underground, poorly sign-posted, poorly connected to
surrounding streets and parts of it are of low quality, particularly in
terms of materials, frontages and lighting.
The development underway at 5 Broadgate provides an opportunity to
unify and define the area’s character, re-instate a hierarchy of streets
and improve the public realm. However, the area surrounding the
development needs very careful consideration, as the building removes
an important north-south route and could aggravate the existing
problem.
3.3.4 Liverpool Street, Moorfields and Moorgate
The arrival of Crossrail in 2018 will change the way we think about
movement across London, and will represent a significant increase
in pedestrian volumes in the area, in both proportional and absolute
terms. This will particularly impact on Liverpool Street and Moorfields
where new station entrances will be located, with disruptions to
pedestrian routes during construction works. The arrival of Crossrail
creates the opportunity to re-evaluate the use of these areas, reduce
conflicts with the numerous transport modes and improve the
pedestrian access as well as to achieve a coherent design.
Taxis in Liverpool Street, with the rank frequently over-subscribed,
create a poor quality environment and congestion on Bishopsgate
which leads to further road safety issues particularly for cyclists and
pedestrians.
D
ROA
TA I N
CUR
L B H AC
AC K N E
EY
Y
NF
O
NO
EET
STR
DS
SUN
B R U S H F I E LD
IEL
MO
DO
NS
TR
T
RE
ST
D
EL
FI
LA
BL
ES
E
AC
PL
OW
RR
HA
H
NE
GA
TE
PS
HO
RE
ST
D
ST
E
AX
RY
MA
ST
ON
EY
BR
D
ST
B
O
OT
LP
T
HS
E
RE
T
ET
OL
AREA STRATEGY SURVEY BOUNDARIES
RE
LA
OA
BIS
ET
G AT E
MOOR
TC
LIVERPOOL STREET
ST
ET
DI
ON
CITY
CIT
C
IIT
TY O
OF
F L
LONDO
O
ON
N DO
ON
RE
DS
T
ST
AM STR
EET
ST
EE
UL
E
STRE ET
GO
M IL
UN
RTH
R
MO
TWO
EN
ST
CA
HO
W
EX
GRESH
NE
DL
B ASINGHALL AVE
E NUE
ET
ET
LL
LS
TRE
OM
OO
RE
ERP
MID
ON W
ALL
CUS
ST
LIV
BE
CIR
AL
ET
CI
T
LIVERPOOL
STREET
STATION
ER
UR
EE
ST RE ET
MM
F I NSB
LOND
R TO
EET
STR
OLD
APP
AG E
PA S
S
G AT E
T
MOOR
E
LAN
OR
MO
ORF
EL
Y
ES
TRE
E
LAMB STREET
CO
FO R
ET
EE
EET
LB
L
B TO
TO
OW
WE
W
E
ER
R
HA
HA
AML
AM
M L ETS
ML
E
ET
TS
RE
STR
SE S
TR
ST
SUN
MRO
AL
SQUARE
PRI
CI
LL S T R E
ET
EET
ER
CHISWE
STR
M
RY
SHIP
M
F IN S B U
WOR
CO
WORSHIP STREET
LGA
TE
LB
B ISLIN G
GTO
T N
TO
Key Opportunity Areas:
Middlesex Street Area
Bishopsgate
Sun Street / Eldon Street Area
Liverpool Street, Moorfields and Moorgate
Borough Boundary
Area Strategy Boundary
Figure 7 - Liverpool Street Area Enhancement Strategy – Key Opportunity Areas
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
19
3.4 Achieving the Objectives
The Liverpool Street Area
Enhancement Strategy provides a
framework for improvements in
the area over the next 10 years and
expands upon how the City’s Core
strategy policies will be delivered.
The adjacent table sets out the key
projects that would flow from the
strategy. Proposals are set out on the
following pages.
PROJECT
STRATEGY OBJECTIVE
•
Bishopsgate
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading
Improvements to
international financial and business centre;
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings on
Bishopsgate, to ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all; and
•
PRIORITY
To improve the public realm in Bishopsgate and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the
City community that respond to the needs of the City community;
•
LDF CORE STRATEGY POLICY
CS3 Security and Safety
CS4 Planning Contributions
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
1
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport and improve perceived
safety for pedestrians, especially at night.
•
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
that respond to the needs of the City community;
Improvements to
•
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading
Liverpool Street
(Crossrail related
project)
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable
international financial and business centre;
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all; and
•
To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport and improve perceived
safety for pedestrians, especially at night.
CS3 Security and Safety
CS4 Planning Contributions
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
CS15 Sustainable Development and Climate
1
Change
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS3 Security and Safety
CS4 Planning Contributions
Improvements to
Artillery Passage
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all;
and Middlesex
Street areas
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
CS12 Historic Environment, Policy
1
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS20 Retailing
•
Improvements to
Moorfields
that respond to the needs of the City community;
•
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading
(Crossrail related
project)
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
international financial and business centre;
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
20
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
CS3 Security and Safety
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS20 Retailing
1
CS3 Security and Safety
CS4 Planning Contributions
Improvements to
Artillery Passage
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all;
and Middlesex
Street areas
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
CS12 Historic Environment, Policy
1
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
PROJECT
STRATEGY OBJECTIVE
••
Improvements to
Moorfields
(Crossrail
related
Improvements
to
project)
Bishopsgate
••
••
•
•
Improvements to
Moorgate
Improvements to
Liverpool Street
(Crossrail related
project)
Improvements to
Sun Street/Eldon
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To improve
improve the
the public
public realm
realm in
and
create welcoming
spaces
for the benefit
community
To
Bishopsgate
and create
welcoming
spaces of
forthe
theCity
benefit
of the
that
to thethat
needs
of theto
City
Cityrespond
community
respond
thecommunity;
needs of the City community;
To accommodate
accommodate future
future growth,
growth, ensuring
ensuring that
that the
the area
area functions
functions well
well and
and provides
provides aa suitable
suitable
To
environment
environmentthat
thatcontributes
contributestowards
towardsmaintaining
maintainingthe
theCity’s
City’sstatus
statusasasthe
theworld’s
world’sleading
leading
international
internationalfinancial
financialand
andbusiness
businesscentre;
centre;
To
improve
the
pedestrian
environment
and improve
improve accessibility
accessibility of
of streets
streets and
and crossings
crossings,on
to
To improve the pedestrian environment and
ensure
that streets
and spaces
are inclusive
andare
accessible
to and
all. accessible to all; and
Bishopsgate,
to ensure
that streets
and spaces
inclusive
To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport and improve perceived
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
safety for pedestrians, especially at night.
that respond to the needs of the City community;
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all; and
that respond to the needs of the City community;
To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport and improve perceived
To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable
safety for pedestrians, especially at night.
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading
international
financial
business
centre;
To
improve the
public and
realm
and create
welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
To
improve
the
pedestrian
environment
and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
that respond to the needs of the City community;
ensure
that streetsfuture
and spaces
are ensuring
inclusivethat
and the
accessible
to all; and
To accommodate
growth,
area functions
well and provides a suitable
To reduce conflict
and improve
road safety
for all modes
of transport
perceived
environment
that contributes
towards
maintaining
the City’s
status asand
the improve
world’s leading
safety for pedestrians,
at night.
international
financial especially
and business
centre;
Street Areas
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
Access
Improvements to
Improvements
Artillery Passage
••
across
the area
and Middlesex
To
To improve
improve the
the pedestrian
pedestrian environment
environment and
and improve
improve accessibility
accessibility of
of streets
streets and
and crossings,
crossings, to
to
ensure
ensure that
that streets
streets and
and spaces
spaces are
are inclusive
inclusive and
and accessible
accessible to
to all.
all;
Street areas
Tree Planting
Improved Way
Improvements to
finding
Moorfields
STRATEGY POLICY
PRIORITY
CS3 Security and Safety
CS5
North
of Safety
the City
CS3 The
Security
and
CS10
Design Contributions
CS4 Planning
CS16
Public
Transport
Streets and Walkways
CS5 The
North
of the City
CS19
CS10 Open
DesignSpaces and Recreation
1
1
CS20
CS16Retailing
Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS3 Security and Safety
CS5 The North of the City
CS10 Design
CS16
Public Transport
CS3 Security
and SafetyStreets and Walkways
CS19
Open Spaces
and Recreation
CS4 Planning
Contributions
2
CS20
Retailing
CS5 The
North of the City
CS10 Design
CS15 Sustainable Development and Climate
CS3 Security and Safety
Change
CS4 Planning Contributions
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS5 The North of the City
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS10 Design
1
2
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
CS3 Security and Safety
CS4 Planning Contributions
CS5 The North of the City
CS3 Security and Safety
CS10 Design
CS10 Design
CS12 Historic Environment, Policy
1
1
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
•
•
•
•
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS20 Retailing
1
To improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for the benefit of the City community
To
pedestrian
and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
thatimprove
respondthe
to the
needs ofenvironment
the City community;
ensure
that streetsfuture
and spaces
are ensuring
inclusivethat
and the
accessible
to all. well and provides a suitable
To accommodate
growth,
area functions
CS3
CS10Security
Design and Safety
CS5
North
of the City
CS16The
Public
Transport
Streets and Walkways
1
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading
(Crossrail related
project)
CS20 Retailing
LDF CORE
international financial and business centre;
•
To improve the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility of streets and crossings, to
ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
CS10 Design
CS16 Public Transport Streets and Walkways
1
CS19 Open Spaces and Recreation
CS20 Retailing
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
21
Consider the importance of frontages in creating
characterful views and aiding wayfinding
Proposed new public space, created from the two
existing, under-used traffic islands. Consider
its flexibility in catering for everyday and
weekend use
Consider resurfacing and restricting vehicular
access to create a more defined, coherent route to the
markets through Artillery Passage
Consider replacing painted pitches with paving to
act as a permanent sign of the market and improve
its setting
Figure 8: Middlesex Street Area proposal overview
22
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
Review the allocation of space to the footways, bus stops,
roadways and central reservations
Review and consider strategic changes to the location
of bus stops to reduce congestion on the pavements;
consider relocating the airport coaches to a less
congested setting
Consider removing the planters
Rationalise clutter throughout
Consider an enhanced raised table crossing outside the
station exit to improve the ease of pedestrian flows
Figure 9: Bishopsgate proposal overview
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
23
The new development at 5 Broadgate removes an
important north-south link
Consider the importance of trees, material
treatments and routes in linking the City to
Hackney, in order to avoid cliff edges and ensure
pedestrian priority in the area
Encourage a strengthened connection from Appold
Street, considering material treatments, signage and
views to aid wayfinding
Consider increasing the number of street trees in the
area, which could be used to strengthen routes and
views
Figure 10: Sun Street / Eldon Street Area proposal overview
24
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
Review the proposed location of loading bays
and crossings on Eldon Street, ensuring a
strong connection from the Crossrail exit
Carefully consider the junction between
pedestrian spaces and bus routes
Explore a design for a new civic space
considering the whole length of Liverpool
Street
Consider removing the taxis from Liverpool
Street altogether and relocating them in the
under-used taxi rank within the station or
elsewhere
Consider upgrading White Hart Court to
provide a new link to St Botolph-withoutBishopsgate Churchyard
Figure 11: Liverpool Street proposal overview
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
25
Moorgate is one of the City of London's Principal Shopping
Centres. With the arrival of Crossrail, retail units are
anticipated to open onto the busier Moorfields, as well as
Moorgate. Encourage active frontages onto the street and
consider potential areas for outdoor seating.
Review options for the design of Moorfields, ensuring
the street is considered as a whole. Consider the role of
Moorfields as a characterful City street and its potential
public offer.
Consider enhancing Moorgate and narrowing the
carriageway to provide a street that is accessible, pleasant
and safe.
Ensure consistency in the design through an appropriate
palette of materials, in keeping with the City of London
character, and which allows for complete integration with
the street’s surroundings and adjacent public spaces.
Consider alternatives for re-balancing the
proportion of hard and soft landscaping whilst
keeping the space large enough for informal and
flexible use
Figure 12: Moorfields proposal overview
26
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
Consider introducing street trees along Moorgate
that are appropriate to the conditions and
context of the street, exploring opportunities to
integrate the tree planting strategy with that of
neighbouring spaces
Widen pavements and consider ways to
rationalise vehicle, cycle and bus traffic within
the roadway in order to create a calmed
environment for all road users and pedestrians
Provide an additional crossing aligning with the
main east-west pedestrian route from the new
Crossrail station
Moorgate is one of the City of London's
Principal Shopping Centres. Consider incentives
to encourage shop fronts to be provided in
accordance with City of London guidance on
shop fronts
Consider the new desire lines created by the
Crossrail station exit on Moorfields
Figure 13: Moorgate proposal overview
L I V E R P O O L S T R E E T A R E A E N H A N C E M E N T S T R AT EGY: Part One
27