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
mural at the gateway to Hoxton Market, with other market improvements ongoing

Upcoming accessibility improvements

Location	Improvements being explored
Hare Walk	Dropped kerbs, removal of obstructions and a crossing designed to give greater priority to pedestrians. Implementation October-December 2026
Ivy Street	Plans include measures to slow cyclists and improve safety for children, resurfacing work to emphasise shared spaces, clearer entrances, and rain gardens near the junction with Hoxton Street. Implementation due October- December 2026
Pitfield Estate	Greening improvements, bulb planting and trees. Wider paths, seating and the possible removal of some internal fencing to make movement easier. Implementation 2027
Purcell Street	A consultation will start in November on a raised crossing to provide level access between Purcell Gardens and Arden Estate Community Hall. This will coincide with refurbishment of the community hall and gardens. Implementation 2027
Regan Way & Bacchus Walk	Wider footways, removal of obstructions and improvements to create a clearer green walking link. Implementation October-December 2026
Stanway Street	Additional cycle parking, changes to the carriageway and a raised pedestrian crossing. Implementation January-February 2027
Tyssen Street	A clearer pedestrian route and changes to reduce narrow points and improve access into the courtyard. Additional planting between the Tyssen Street courtyard car park and adjacent flats, and improvements to play facilities. Implementation October-December 2026
Wayfinding	Signage and identity improvements that will help create a clearer more connected and recognisable Hoxton. Ongoing
Wilks Place	Repaving and changes to street levels to create a more continuous and accessible route. Implementation January-February 2027

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.

Explore the wider theme

This work supports the Connecting Hoxton theme: A Thriving & Affordable Market Street.

View the theme page

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Interests

Regeneration