London,
11
March
2014
|
10:12
Europe/London

The Narrow Way in Hackney Central is to become permanently free of buses following a successful trial

Making the Narrow Way a pedestrian zone creates a safer, more welcoming shopping environment, attracting residents and visitors and supports local businesses. Residents and businesses will retain access.

 The trial scheme ran from June last year, allowing Hackney Council and Transport for London to test how well pedestrianisation would work and support the town centre’s regeneration.

The trial has now been carefully assessed by the Council and found to have had a positive impact. Traders, shoppers, residents and visitors' views were assessed.

The overall success of the trial means a permanent, full-scale scheme can be developed to create a thriving, vibrant town centre destination.With funding secured from Transport for London, the Council will consult traders, residents and shoppers on how they want to see the Narrow Way improved through new paving, lighting, seating, planting, cycle provision.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Hackney Council
The trial has demonstrated how pedestrianisation can improve the Narrow Way. This is a major transformative scheme for Hackney Central to nurture a unique and vibrant town centre for years to come. We are committed to supporting local businesses through this transformation and engaging with all interested parties about the future of the town centre.
Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Hackney Council

Editors Notes

 The Council’s masterplan to regenerate Hackney Central and improve  links other centres of the borough, includes:

 - 30 shop front improvements along Mare Street, the Narrow Way and Clarence Road funded through the Greater London Authority’s Mayor of London Regeneration Fund

- the Fashion Hub development on Morning Lane, creating an exciting retail destination, alongside new fashion design studios, manufacturing space, plus a host of training and employment opportunities in fashion retail, design and manufacturing

- a new pedestrian bridge linking Hackney Downs Station with Hackney Central Station, planned to open next year

- a new pocket park on a neglected and underused area of Trelawney estate, between Hackney Central and the new Fashion Hub

- a series of creative lighting schemes designed not only to increase sense of security but also create interest and guide people through the town centre

- a cultural programme of events and activities to draw visitors to the Narrow Way

Full details of the Council’s planned programme of improvements in Hackney Central are available here.

 http://www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-central.htm

 Details of Hackney Council’s regeneration strategy for the borough are available here.

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/regeneration.htm