Regents Row Improvement Scheme

Overview

Background

The Council is committed to making Hackney a vibrant and safe place for everyone living in, working in and visiting the Borough. Creating an environment that will encourage more walking and cycling is a key part of the Council’s transport vision. As part of this commitment, the Council is considering proposals to improve the local environment for those residents, cyclists and pedestrians who use the section of Regents Row located between Broadway Market and Marlborough Avenue.

Regents Row and the adjoining Canal towpath are important places that local residents, workers and commuters enjoy and use.

However, the poor condition of the carriageway on Regent’s Row means that many cyclists and pedestrians use the towpath, adding to congestion in an already limited space. Furthermore, monitoring by the Council has shown that Regents Row is being used as a rat run resulting in an unsafe and unpleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Council recognises that there is an opportunity to create an improved canal side environment that eliminates rat running and reduces towpath congestion by providing alternative routes. The proposal is part of a wider ambition of both the Council and the Canal and River Trust to improve the areas immediately parallel to Regents Canal between Broadway Market and Kingsland Road. 

Why your views matter

Consultation

Your views are an important factor in the Council’s decision making process. Please read through the information in this document and complete the questionnaire.

Proposals

The proposals include:

• Removing the dividing railings between Acton’s Lock and Marlborough Avenue to improve pedestrian access to the towpath, visibility and views to the Canal itself.
• Creating three strategically located gaps to allow cyclists to access Regents Row from the towpath and vice-versa.
• Improving the road surface along Regents Row to encourage cyclists to use the carriageway as opposed to the towpath.
• Retaining the historic character of this area by relaying cobbles on sections of Regents Row.
• Introducing a road closure at Marlborough Avenue to stop vehicles using Regents Row as a rat-run and help create a more pedestrian and cycle friendly environment. 

How to have your say:

Please complete the online or download a paper version of the questionnaire. The questionnaire is self-addressed to the Council and does not need a stamp. Please return to us by Friday 16 January 2015.

You can also email your views to: movegreener@hackney.gov.uk

What happens next

Your views will be taken into account as part of the detailed design process. Construction works are proposed to commence in February 2015. Residents and Businesses will be informed of any changes to construction dates and an additional notification document will be sent out just before the works start detailing any temporary traffic management measures that may be necessary.

The Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to consider this consultation.