Wilks Place Transformation

Overview

This project will improve Wilks Place, the side route running alongside Hoxton Hall.

The proposals aim to create a safer, clearer and more welcoming route, improve access to the doors along the side of Hoxton Hall and better integrate the building with Hoxton Street and the surrounding neighbourhood.

The project will also consider how the route relates to the currently blocked access towards Tyssen Street.

What is happening

We are developing proposals to improve the layout, surfaces and overall usability of Wilks Place.

Wilks Place provides side access to Hoxton Hall and contains several doors serving the building. Improvements to the route will help make these entrances easier to identify and use, while creating a clearer connection between the Hall and the surrounding streets.

The current proposals include:

• a continuous pedestrian footway across the entrance to Wilks Place from Hoxton Street
• a ramped approach that continues to accommodate servicing and loading for Hoxton Hall
• improvements to paving, surfaces and the overall layout
• new gates to provide secure and screened waste storage
• improvements to drainage, including new levels and gullies
• targeted improvements to building thresholds, subject to agreement with relevant landowners
• improvements that make the side entrances to Hoxton Hall clearer and easier to access.

Opportunities to improve lighting and visibility are also being explored. The final approach will be developed with the Council’s lighting engineers and planning officers.

The project will also consider the relationship between Wilks Place and the blocked access towards Tyssen Street. Any changes to this connection would be subject to further design work, agreement and the necessary approvals.

The proposals are still being developed and may change through the detailed design and planning process.

Project timeline

How this project responds

This project responds by improving Wilks Place as an access route alongside Hoxton Hall.

Better paving, drainage, pedestrian access and building thresholds will help make the route easier to use. The proposals will also improve the visibility and accessibility of the doors serving Hoxton Hall along Wilks Place.

By improving the connection from Hoxton Street and considering the relationship with Tyssen Street, the project will help integrate Hoxton Hall more effectively with the surrounding neighbourhood.

The changes will retain the servicing and loading access needed by Hoxton Hall while creating a safer and more coherent pedestrian environment.