Three cylindrical glass towers with safe storage for hundreds of bikes have been put forward on a long-list of ideas to redesign Old Street roundabout.
Islington council today invited public comment on 39 proposals, from 120 submitted to a £1 million competition to transform the gateway to London’s “tech city”.
Cove Burgess Architects and the creators of Eco Cycle storage spaces came up with the plans for the towers and said they would surround a “pocket park” and cafe space.
Transport for London has committed to start work on replacing the “outdated and intimidating” roundabout with a two-way road by the end of the year.
The changes, first consulted on in 2015, involve closing the roundabout’s north-western arm up to City Road. This will create a pedestrian area that joins up with the currently inaccessible centre of the Sixties roundabout. Changes also include segregated cycle lanes and traffic lights for cyclists.
A judging panel will compile a shortlist following the consultation. Claudia Webbe, Islington’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “The public exhibition is a chance to have your say on the creation of an exciting, bold, iconic gateway.”
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “This transformation is going to make Old Street a more pleasant and safer place for all pedestrians and cyclists.” Feryal Demirci, Hackney cabinet member for transport, agreed that the junction would be made “safer for everyone”.
To view the proposals and vote, go to islington.gov.uk/oldstreet.
