Making Hoxton More Accessible
Overview
Creating a neighbourhood that is easier and more comfortable to move around is a key part of the Connecting Hoxton programme.
Rather than being delivered through one standalone project, accessibility and inclusive design are being built into projects across Hoxton as proposals are developed. This helps ensure that improvements work for people of different ages, abilities and mobility needs.
Ongoing
Accessibility improvements are being embedded within the design process for projects across the Connecting Hoxton programme.
What is happening
As individual projects are developed, we are looking at how streets, paths, entrances and public spaces can be made easier and safer to use.
Depending on the location, this may include:
- wider and clearer pedestrian routes
- level access and raised crossings
- dropped kerbs and fewer physical obstructions
- improved entrances to community buildings and public spaces
- better lighting and clearer routes
- changes to paving, seating and street layouts to make spaces more comfortable and usable
The exact improvements will vary between projects and will be developed in response to the needs of each location.
Improvements completed to date
A number of accessibility improvements have already been delivered through the wider Connecting Hoxton programme.
- improvements to the entrance of Shoreditch Library
- improvements to the entrance of Hoxton Hall
- new accessible pathways and entrance improvements at Hoxton Gardens
Further improvements being explored
Further accessibility improvements are being considered as part of projects at several locations across Hoxton.
| Location | Improvements being explored |
|---|---|
| Purcell Street | A raised crossing to provide level access between Purcell Gardens and Arden Estate Community Hall. |
| Wilks Place | Repaving and changes to street levels to create a more continuous and accessible route. |
| Regan Way | Wider footways, removal of obstructions and improvements to create a clearer green walking link. |
| Hare Walk | Dropped kerbs, removal of obstructions and a crossing designed to give greater priority to pedestrians. |
| Tyssen Street | A clearer pedestrian route and changes to reduce narrow points and improve access into the courtyard. |
| Ivy Street | Changes to shared surfaces, clearer entrances and possible rain gardens near the junction with Hoxton Street. |
| Pitfield Estate | Wider paths, improved lighting and the possible removal of some internal fencing to make movement easier. |
| Stanway Street | Additional cycle parking, changes to the carriageway and a raised pedestrian crossing. |
| Mundy Street | A raised crossing to improve the connection towards Hoxton Square. |
These proposals are still being developed. The final design and delivery of each improvement will depend on the wider project for that location.
What we heard from local people
Local people told us that some streets, paths and public spaces can be difficult to move through, particularly for disabled people, older residents, parents with pushchairs and people with limited mobility.
People raised concerns about narrow paths, uneven surfaces, unclear routes and physical obstructions that can make everyday journeys less direct or comfortable.
There was a clear desire for public spaces that are easier to use, more welcoming and designed around the needs of a wider range of people.
How this work responds
Accessibility is being considered from the beginning of each project rather than added after designs have been developed.
This means that routes, crossings, entrances, paving and other public realm features can be designed to remove barriers and support easier movement.
By applying inclusive design principles across the Connecting Hoxton programme, the improvements will help create public spaces that work better for residents, visitors and traders.
Completed accessibility improvements
Images of completed improvements at Hoxton Hall, Hoxton Gardens and Shoreditch Library can be added below.
Explore the wider theme
This work supports the Connecting Hoxton theme: A Thriving & Affordable Market Street.
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