Is this the end of Tech City’s Silicon Roundabout at Old Street in Shoreditch? TfL plans pedestrian square
A new radical plan for Old Street roundabout in Shoreditch, the home to many of Tech City’s startups, could transform the area into a pedestrian square.
Made famous as “Silicon Roundabout”, Transport for London has unveiled plans to transform it into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly zone as part of £4bn road modernisation plans, effectively demolishing the roundabout.
The north west road between the north side of City Road and the west side of Old Street would be closed to create a large public space with seating and trees as well as a new entrance to Old Street station.
The remaining junction will gain new cycle lanes to improve road safety at the spot. A third of the traffic currently at the roundabout is made up of cyclists: 44 people have been injured in collisions there between 2010 and 2013, the majority of them cyclists and pedestrians.
Boris Johnson said: “These plans will dramatically improve safety for the thousands of cyclists and pedestrians using the junction, and also make it easier to access Tech City, which continues to nurture upcoming technology and creative talent from around the world.”
The development will also lay the groundwork to improvements at Old Street station, and the new space could potentially include “pop-up” shops, which have become popular in the area.
TFL is holding a consultation on the plans until 11 January 2015.
