£15 million scheme to create Liveable Streets across Tower Hamlets

Funding in 17 areas for infrastructure that will encourage more walking and cycling

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets joined school children, residents and businesses on Friday 7 June, to launch an ambitious four-year programme to create Liveable Streets in Tower Hamlets.

Liveable Streets is a £15 million programme, which aims to improve the look and feel of public spaces in neighbourhoods across the borough, making it easier, safer and more convenient to get around by foot, bike and public transport.

Parts of Columbia Road in Bethnal Green were transformed into a beautiful outdoor space with trees and greenery, where Liveable Streets was launched in a street party atmosphere with bunting, deckchairs, speakers, cycling taster sessions and giant games for children.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “Our proposal for Liveable Streets is to create neighbourhoods which are green and attractive and make walking or cycling more pleasant for residents and visitors. We want to invest in infrastructure and improvements that will dramatically change the look of local areas, reduce congestion on our roads and improve health and wellbeing.”

Seventeen areas covering about 60 per cent of the borough have been identified for development. The areas chosen have not received substantial funding and improvements in recent years.

The council will carry out online consultations and drop-in events to gather ideas and suggestions from businesses, community groups and partners.  Design proposals based on ideas will then be consulted on before construction begins.

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We want to work with the many creative ideas and suggestions put forward by residents and community groups, to revitalise areas, resulting in reduced traffic, less pollution and healthier spaces for all.”

Consultation on the proposals before work is implemented will take place in phases with each phase taking approximately 12 months from initiation to the start of construction.

The first phase of consultation has begun in Bow, Bethnal Green and Wapping. Phase two is due to start with consultations in the Barkantine area of the Isle of Dogs and Brick Lane area of Spitalfields at the end of June.