Central London to get first new park in 100 years

Central London is set to get its first new park in 100 years.

Alfred Place, in Fitzrovia, will be among the projects benefiting from a £220 million Transport for London (TfL) funding boost to the capital's boroughs to improve transport, town centres and public space developments.


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Camden Council says the park, not far from the British Museum, could be open by summer 2017, according to the Standard.

The council will receive £6.7 million from the TfL fund, and the borough also plans to open up Tottenham Court Road to two-way traffic and develop more segregated cycle lanes.

Alfred Place is part of Camden Council's West End Project. The council said on its website: "The project will transform the Tottenham Court Road area, making it safer and more attractive for residents, boosting business and creating new public spaces.

"There will be a big increase in people coming to the area with the opening of the Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station in December 2018 and we need to make sure the area is safe and welcoming.

"The one-way system will be replaced with two-way tree lined streets, some protected cycle lanes and new public spaces. The scheme will reduce congestion and pollution, widen pavements and make journeys quicker.

"The £38 million project will unlock the area's potential, boosting business and creating new public spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy."

Mayor Sadiq Khan said the funding from TfL will benefit all 33 of the capital's local authorities with £138 million being invested in Local Implementation Plans and £70 million for other schemes, including walking and cycling programmes like Quietways - a network of low-traffic cycle routes throughout London.

Speaking to City Am, Mr Khan said: "By making walking and cycling easier and safer, and funding projects that will improve air quality, we can help boroughs right across the capital to deliver transport and public space improvements that are going to make a real difference to the lives of Londoners."