Covent Garden

The challenge

Where are we now

What has been happening?

A bublic realm study for Area 3 of the Action Plan took place in 2006 which informs the design and approach to all street improvements in that part of Covent Garden:

• Area 3 Public Realm Study March 2006

Following completion of this study we have been able to implement the following improvements:

• Long Acre Phase 1 (between St Martin's Land and James/Neal Street) was completed at the end of 2008 and has significantly improved the pedestrian route from Leicester Square.
• Improvements to the six-arm junction at St Martin's Lane/Long Acre (called St Martin's Cross) were completed in 2009 and have made the junction a safer and more pleasant environment for pedestrians.
• Long Acre Phase 2 (between James Street/Neal Street and Drury Lane) successfully completed in 2010.  These works link in with the new square at Great Queen Street in Camden and helps to complete the improvements to the walking route between Leicester Square and Holborn relieving pressure congested tube stations.
• Work is ongoing to develop and implement street improvements for Mercer Street at its junction with Shelton Street and these are programmed to be completed before the Olympics in summer 2012.

Other projects that have been completed and are on-going are:

1. A public realm study of Areas 1, 2 and 4 of the Action Plan was completed in 2008 and will be used to inform any future street improvements in those parts of Covent Garden.
2. The de-cluttering and refurbishment of James Street to ease pedestrian movement on this busy street has been completed.
3. Major street works to improve the public realm in King Street are being implemented in partnership with local landowners and will be complete by the end of May 2012.
4. The roll out of Legible London in Covent Garden will provide more comprehensive signage and directions for pedestrians.
5. In 2005, as part of the Action Plan, the City Council carried out a review of seating for alfresco dining.  The review document can be seen here.
6. We have successfully pursued with TfL Public Carriage Office (PCO) a marshalled late night taxi rank on Cranbourn Street.
7. Introduction of a street drinking control area to cover Covent Garden giving discretionary powers to the Police to control street drinking.

8. Working with police to target action in hotspot areas to deal with rough sleeping, aggressive begging and associated street activity and anti-social behaviour.

Looking Ahead

• Improvements to the street scene in partnership with land owners and local businesses such as Covent Garden London and Shaftesbury and Mercers.
• Coordinated approach with Camden Council on the boundary areas between the two boroughs.
• Upgrading transport infrastructure with Transport for London.
• Working in partnership with community and resident organisations such as the Covent Garden Community Association, Covent Garden Area Trust, the Seven Dials Trust and the Odhams Walk Residents Association.