City of London Culture Mile reveals public realm strategy

The City of London’s Culture Mile Business Improvement District has announced a new public realm and vision strategy, set to invest £9m across five years. The strategy will focus on the Aldersgate Street and Barbican Gateway area, Moorgate Yards, and Coleman Street as priorities for improvement through projects such as street widening, increased pedestrianisation, greening and public art. Announcing the plans, a spokesperson for the BID said it “hopes to work in collaboration with partners to ensure the feasibility of various short- and medium-term projects, with a vision to realise the longer-term plans in the future”. The plans have been developed in collaboration with urban designers AR Urbanism and Steer to align with the City of London Corporation’s own strategies, such as the City Plan 2040, the Climate Action Strategy and the Destination City initiative. Austin Casey, interim chief executive of the Culture Mile, said: “Our new public realm vision and strategy aim to improve pedestrianisation, safety and sustainability in the area so we can welcome visitors to discover the hidden corners of the Culture Mile, while continuing to serve as a warm and inviting destination for residents and workers alike.” Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City of London Planning and Transportation Committee, said the plans were a welcome announcement that “will help fulfil our Destination City vision, establishing the Square Mile as a vibrant cultural and dining destination”. See business analytics information for the City of London >> Image © Benji Connell/Concrete Clouds