Initial designs for a £55 million transformation of central London's Holborn area have been published, offering a first glimpse of a future with less traffic and more greenery. Camden Council, with funding from Transport for London (TfL), has released sketches for its proposed 'Liveable Neighbourhood' scheme.
What the plans include
The ambitious project aims to overhaul several streets in and around Holborn. The early illustrations show a vision where segregated cycle paths, wider pavements, and extensive urban planting become central features. Key streets like Southampton Place, Museum Street, and Bedford Place are earmarked for these changes.
The council states the goal is to create spaces where residents can "breathe clean air" amidst more trees and plants. A core part of the strategy involves making it easier and quicker to travel by sustainable transport like walking and cycling.
Traffic restrictions and pedestrianisation
A significant element of the plan is the proposed restriction of motor vehicle access. This includes making several roads one-way, such as John’s Mews in Bloomsbury. More radical ideas are also on the table, including the potential full pedestrianisation of Great Russell Street.
For Great Ormond Street, the council is considering making it one-way (westbound) for general traffic, while maintaining access for ambulances serving the nearby hospital. The designs also propose new public seating, play spaces for children, and areas for food kiosks.
Public reaction and next steps
The council is currently gathering public feedback on these initial concepts, with the consultation period open until February 2026. An interactive map has already been used to identify problem spots in the area, such as "dangerous" junctions on High Holborn.
Reactions from the public have been mixed. While many support more space for cycling and greening, others have expressed concerns. Some comments call to "prioritise pedestrians, not cyclists", and one respondent criticised the proposed planting as looking "miserable and scruffy". Another sceptical resident suggested the council might as well "ban all road traffic in Camden".
Following this feedback phase, a draft proposal will be developed for a formal public consultation, currently scheduled for summer 2026.
