In 100 years Central London to get first new park

Staff reporter(wp/es):

The first new park in central London in 100 years is to be opened as part of a funding package announced by Transport for London today. 

The £220 million pot will be distributed to town halls across the capital to pay for improvements to local transport, town centres and public spaces. 

Transforming Alfred Place in Fitzrovia, a few minutes’ walk from the British Museum, is among the projects intended to make boroughs greener, healthier and safer.

Camden council, which will get £6.7 million from TfL, has said the new park could be open by summer 2017, though the timetable has not been confirmed. 

The borough’s plans also include opening up Tottenham Court Road to two-way traffic — restricted to buses and cyclists during the day — segregated cycle lanes on Gower Street, and other public realm improvements in the local area. 

Each of London’s 33 local authorities will get something from the funding pot, which includes £148 million invested through Local Implementation Plans for transport schemes and £70 million for projects such as Quietways and Mini-Hollands for pedestrians and cyclists.

Westminster’s £3.6 million will help transform cycling, walking and buses round the Strand and Aldwych, while plans are under way to improve Baker Street and Gloucester Place.

There will be cash too for public spaces around Bond Street. 

Lambeth’s £3.8 million covers improvement works at Norwood Road, while Croydon will get £2.9 million for projects including transforming South Norwood town centre and widening and decluttering pavements and cycleways. 

Outer London will also benefit with Merton getting £2.9 million, including more than £1 million for Mitcham town centre, and Hounslow  £2.6 million for projects such as a new Greenways route alongside the Longford River linking Hanworth Park to Feltham town centre. 

Havering receives £2.3 million, including £250,000 for a new building at Romford Market, and Bexley £1.9 million, including £500,000 for safety measures to reduce collisions, particularly around schools.