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Artist impression of the proposed makeover for Oxford Circus |
Pedestrian ‘makeover’ for Circus
WORK is set to start on the £5million project to pedestrianise part of Oxford Circus.
Inspired by crossings in Tokyo, the new layout will stop traffic in all directions, allowing people to cross diagonally (see right) as well as straight ahead at what is one of the world’s busiest intersections.
Railings at the junction of Oxford Street and Regent Street will also be removed as part of the radical makeover.
Westminster City Council say the new design will ease congestion by doubling the amount of pavement space for the 200 million or so visitors every year.
The revamped crossing is due to reopen in time for the switching on of the Christmas lights in November.
It is also the cornerstone of the council’s plans to spruce up the West End ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.
Councillor Danny Chalkley said: “Taking our inspiration from the Far East makes perfect sense as the Japanese have perfected the art of managing large numbers of people through good design and engineering. The West End, like Tokyo’s Shibuya district, is a fashion and entertainment hub which attracts visitors in huge numbers. This new crossing, which will transform Oxford Circus and ensure visitors who emerge from the Tube are impressed by what greets them, is part of a whole series of improvements taking place to ensure the West End looks truly world class in time for 2012.”
The project is being joint funded by the Crown Estate, which owns Regent Street, and Transport for London. |
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