Bloomsbury streets to be people-friendly

A £6.3 MILLION plan to make Bloomsbury more pedestrian and cycling friendly has been approved.

The proposals include adding tree-lined public squares with seating and spaces for public art. Pavements will be widened and extra cycle facilities installed.

Chris Knight, Camden council's executive member for the environment, said: "We have carried out a great deal of consultation with residents and businesses on these plans and have been delighted with the high level of support we have received.

"These are significant improvements for an area which at present is largely dominated by the needs of cars, taxis and coaches."

He said the proposals would make it safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Plans include the creation of safe areas for cyclists at busy junctions and relocation of bus stops so walkers and motorists are more visible.

New zebra crossings will be installed and bus lanes widened. The changes are split into two projects, Bloomsbury Streets For People and Bloomsbury Corridor, both of which focus on encouraging people to walk and cycle more.

Work is expected to be finished by 2012 to encourage Olympic visitors to the area.

The Bloomsbury Streets For People project covers areas including the University of London, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the British Museum.

The Bloomsbury Corridor project covers Upper Woburn Place, Woburn Place, Tavistock Square, Russell Square and Southampton Row.