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BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

March 2013

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The Role Of The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy

The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy sets out the City’s vision for transportation and public realm improvements in the Bank area over the next 10 years. It provides a framework, ensuring that works are coordinated and improvements are prioritised making the best use of available funds. This allows the City to plan for future growth, in accordance with Core Strategy Policies of the City’s Local Development Framework (LDF).

The Strategy comprises two major sections:

Part 1. Bank Area Enhancement Strategy – Executive Summary and Context

This section summarises the strategy and sets the context for its preparation and linkages to the City of London’s Core Strategy Policies.

Part 2. Bank Area Enhancement Strategy

This section includes detailed analysis and surveys of the Bank area and describes the City’s objectives and desired outcomes for the future in greater detail.

THE ROLE OF THE BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

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1 • INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Policy Framework 1.3 Area Enhancement Strategies 1.4 The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy

2 • THE BANK AREA 2.1 Strategy Boundary 2.2 Location 2.3 Challenges and Pressures for Change

3 • OBJECTIVES AND VISION

3.1 Objectives 3.2 Vision for the Priority Areas 3.3 Achieving the Objectives

CONTENTS

Part 1. Bank Area Enhancement Strategy – Executive Summary and Context

PART 1 - EXECUT IVE SUMMARY AND CONTEXT


1.1 INTRODUCTION

The City of London or ‘Square Mile’ as it is known, is the historic core from which the modern city developed and is the heart of London’s international financial and business centre. It is a unique place with distinct environmental, social and economic characteristics. It is home to approximately 10,000 residents, provides employment for over 370,000 workers and attracts over four million visitors each year.

In line with the City of London Core Strategy, the City needs to plan for future growth in order to ensure that it functions successfully, provides a suitable environment and maintains the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial/business centre. The challenge facing the City is to coordinate the delivery of sustainable long-term economic growth whilst at the same time providing for the population growth and protecting and improving the environment and quality of life. The City is expected to see continued growth in the medium to longer term with the working population anticipated to increase by 60,000 people to 428,000 by 2026 (Source: City of London Core Strategy 2011).

1.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK

This section establishes the policy framework which provides the context for the Bank Area Strategy and informs its content. Figure 1 sets out the inter-relationships between national, regional and local policy.

1.2.1 CORE STRATEGY

The City of London Core Strategy 2011 establishes the City’s policy approach to spatial planning issues, supplemented by the City of London Unitary Development Plan 2002. The City’s Core Strategy was adopted by resolution of the Court of Common Council on 8 September 2011 and provides the long-term vision, spatial strategy and strategic policies for the City. The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy must be consistent with the Core Strategy and specifies in more detail how the Core Strategy policies for the area are to be delivered.

The City Corporation consulted on a new draft Local Plan in early 2013. When adopted in 2014, the Local Plan will replace the existing planning guidance in the City, building on the strategic policies in the Core Strategy (including those addressing the Bank area) and setting out new detailed policies to guide the determination of planning applications.

1.2.2 CORE STRATEGY – SPATIAL STRATEGY

The Core Strategy establishes the City’s policy approach to spatial planning issues. The Spatial Strategy which is contained within the Core Strategy sets out the City’s Vision and Strategic objectives. The Spatial Strategy also identifies ‘Key City Places’ which face particular challenges over the next 20 years (see Figure 2). The most relevant ‘Key City Place’ to the Bank Area Enhancement Strategy is the Cheapside and St Pauls area (see also Figure 3).

1.2.3 OTHER POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy should also be read in conjunction with the following publications:

• The London Plan 2011

• City of London Local Implementation Plan 2011

• The City Of London Corporate Plan (2012 – 2016)

• City of London Community Strategy (2008 – 2014)

• Bank Conservation Area Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD 2012

• City of London Cultural Strategy 2010 – 2014

• City of London Noise Strategy

• City of London Air Quality Strategy

• City of London Tree Strategy SPD 2012

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

National GuidanceNational Planning Policy Framework

Regional PlansLondon Plan and Mayoral StrategiesPlanning Policies for London as a whole

Local Strategies:Such as the “City Together Strategy” and the “Community Strategy”Higher level objectives for the City

Local PlanThe Local Plan must be in conformity with the national and regional documents as well as the Community Strategy

Unitary Development Plan Core StrategyEmerging Local Plan

Supplementary Planning Documentsprovide further detail on specific subjects such as trees, protected views, conservation areas and area enhancement strategies.

Figure 1 The inter-relationships between National Policy and the Local Development Framework

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Spatial Strategy, Vision and

Strategic Objectives

Figure 2: Key Diagram

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This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office c Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. (City of London Corporation 100023243) (2010)

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Note: The City of London and surrounding City fringes form part of London’s Central Activities Zone. Commercial offices will remain the main land use in the City with other uses dominant in certain parts.

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Figure 2 The City’s Spatial Strategy

Figure 3 This map details the policy objectives for improvements to the Cheapside and St Paul’s area (including Bank)

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Core Strategy – Spatial Strategy



1.3 AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES

In order to deliver projects that support the objectives of the Core strategy, the City has developed an area-based approach. The coverage of the City by Area Enhancement Strategies is shown on the plan at Figure 4. The strategies deal almost exclusively with the enhancement of highways and the public realm under the City’s stewardship, either as Highway Authority or Open Spaces. The Area Strategies enable a co-ordinated approach to the public realm to be taken when considering planning applications or any works to the highways or public realm in the City. It will also help to ensure that the City makes decisions transparently, providing clarity for members of the public and giving more confidence to developers and property owners.

1.4 THE BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy sets out the City’s vision for public realm improvements in the Bank area over the next 10 years. This allows the City to plan for future growth, in accordance with Core Strategy Policies in particular the Cheapside and St Paul’s Key City Place.

Figure 4 City-wide area enhancement strategies

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

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2.1 STRATEGY BOUNDARY

This Bank Area Enhancement Strategy focuses on a defined area with Bank Junction at its centre. The area is bounded by London Wall to the north, Bishopsgate and Gracechurch Street to the east and Cannon Street to the south. The western boundary line is defined by Queen Victoria Street, Old Jewry, Lothbury and Copthall Avenue. Eight priority locations for improvement within the strategy area have been identified, which have been studied in greater detail within this document. These are: the Bank junction, Old Broad Street, Threadneedle Street, Cornhill, Lombard Street, the lanes and alleys between Cornhill and King William Street, Austin Friars and the area around Walbrook.

2.2 LOCATION

The Bank area is one of central historic importance to the City of London and has been synonymous with commercial activity since the 11th century. Its focus as a centre for London’s trade, finance and banking communities has over centuries, shaped its urban form, character and built environment. The character of the Bank area today reflects the layering of new over old; the distinct medieval pattern of the streets; the hidden churches and gardens; the grand civic buildings clustered around the Bank Junction and bold new developments reflecting the growth of the financial sector over recent decades.

Though geographically compact, the Strategy area’s central location makes it an important hub, providing connections and routes across the City. A number of busy main thoroughfares converge at Bank junction: Poultry and Cornhill provide an east to west link between St Paul’s, Cheapside and the City’s fast developing Eastern Cluster; Threadneedle Street and Old Broad Streets travel north-east towards Liverpool Street; Queen Victoria Street south-west to Mansion House and King William Street south to Monument and beyond to the river and London Bridge. The area’s distinctive street pattern with broader streets being connected by lanes, alleys and courts is a key component of its character, and encourages pedestrian movement.

Whilst the district is firmly established as a largely single use commercial centre, in recent years, the number of retail and food and drink premises has begun to increase in order to serve the needs of the growing local working population. Supported and promoted by the City, Cheapside has started to become re-established as a high street for the area, whilst many historic banking halls have been successfully

converted into bars and restaurants bringing a burgeoning night-time economy. The associated nature and size of many of the areas streets and buildings also provides space for numerous smaller financial businesses and start-ups.

Most of the Strategy area falls within the Bank conservation area and the Bank Conservation Area Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD 2012 is relevant in this respect. Historic institutions form a key part of the area’s landscape a number of ancient trade guilds, livery companies and historically significant churches are located within the area. Additionally, The Bank of England, The Royal Exchange and Mansion House (all listed buildings of national importance) sit centrally around the Bank Junction. These form part of a wider network of landmark historic sites within the City of London including St. Paul's Cathedral, Monument, Leadenhall Market and the Guildhall.

2. THE BANK AREA

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Figure 5 Bank Area Strategy Boundary



As identified in the City’s Core Strategy, the City and the Bank Area face many challenges and pressures for change. These impact greatly on how the area functions and will become further exacerbated if not addressed.

2.3.1 A WORLD FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE: THE CHALLENGES:

There are several Core Strategy policies that are relevant to this subject, including CS1 (Offices), CS3 (Security and Safety), CS4 (Planning Contributions), CS6 (Cheapside and St Pauls) and CS16 (Public Transport, Streets and Walkways).

There are a number of redevelopments in the Bank area and in the nearby Eastern City Cluster that are either under construction or planned and these will see increasing numbers of people using and moving through the area in the next few years. The City is expected to see continued growth in the medium to longer term with the working population anticipated to increase by 60,000 people to 428,000 by 2026 (source: City of London Core Strategy).This will put significant extra pressure on the area’s public transport, streets, public spaces and services and it is anticipated that a considerable proportion of people working in or visiting the eastern cluster will pass through Bank station and Bank Junction. Within the Strategy area considerable growth is also underway. New developments recently completed or under construction include those at Cannon Street Station, St Swithin’s Lane, Walbrook and Bloomberg Place.

The increased numbers of commuters, workers and visitors will need to be successfully accommodated on the area’s streets in order that it remains a dynamic, attractive and desirable place to work, and maintains its status as a leading international hub for the finance and business communities. The east to west routes running through the Bank area will become an increasingly vital link as this part of City continues to grow in prominence and density.

Retail in the area continues to develop and in recent years a burgeoning night-time economy has emerged with bars and nightclubs opening in historic banking halls, including weekend use. This is causing growing concern in the area among residents and business occupiers, particularly in relation to cleansing and anti-social behaviour. Core Strategy policy CS3 (Security and Safety)

aims to ensure that the night-time economy is proactively managed to minimise disturbance to residents and workers. Additional policies relevant to the night-time economy and attendant safety and security issues include the Safer City Partnership Plan, the City of London Policing Plan and the City of London statement of Licensing Policy.

2.3.2 CHEAPSIDE AND ST PAUL’S KEY CITY PLACE: THE CHALLENGES

Bank Junction There are several Core Strategy policies that are relevant to Bank Junction, including CS3 (Security and Safety), CS4 (Planning Contributions) and CS16 (Public Transport, Streets and Walkways). Furthermore Policy CS6 (Cheapside and St Paul’s) highlights Bank Junction as having scope for improved movement due to its high levels of traffic and congestion at peak times.

Bank Junction has one of the poorest road safety records in the City, particularly in relation to injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. It is a confusing and difficult junction to navigate and needs to be improved for all users. There are several issues to consider, including bus routing, cycle safety, space for pedestrians and the vital servicing requirements of all types of city businesses.

When the occupancy of vehicles is taken into account, it is clear that at peak times the vast majority of people passing through Bank junction are doing so on foot (around 70 – 80%).

At present, 9 bus routes pass through Bank Junction. A review of London bus routes through central London will take place to consider the impact of Crossrail on bus routes. This is expected to lead to a reduction of east / west routes through central London once Crossrail opens in 2018.

In recent years the number of cyclists using the City’s streets has increased dramatically, and is set to continue to do so. Cyclists make up over 20% of vehicles travelling through Bank Junction at peak times, and cycle parking is over subscribed. Cycle user groups and the police have expressed concern about the function of the junction. Every street at the junction is either a signed cycle route or an important identified route for cyclists.

Bank Underground Station and Crossrail Core strategy Policy CS16 (Public Transport Streets and Walkways) aims to build on the City’s strategic central London position and good transport infrastructure to further improve the sustainability and efficiency of travel in, to, from and through the City.

Bank station has seen a 25% increase in passenger numbers between 2005 and 2010. Passenger numbers will continue to grow and the station will reach capacity around 2020. As it is difficult to control interchange within the station, current crowd control measures focus on access to the station and entry to the station is frequently closed at peak times. There are major plans by London Underground to upgrade Bank station, which is one of the busiest on the network, and this will provide extra capacity on the Northern line platforms and new exits/entrances to accommodate increasing numbers of passengers. These increasing numbers of passengers will also need to be accommodated on the streets in the area with particular pressure for pedestrian space close to the station exits/entrances at Bank Junction, Lombard Street, Walbrook and King William Street. The opening in 2018 of the new Crossrail station at Liverpool Street/Moorgate to the north, will also lead to a further rise in passenger and visitor numbers in the Bank area.

2. THE BANK AREA Challenges and Pressures for Change

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2.3.3 CITY CULTURE AND HERITAGE: THE CHALLENGES

The Bank area is home to numerous shops, cafe’s and restaurants. Cheapside, to the west of the strategy area is a Principal Shopping centre and the Royal Exchange and Cornhill provide a link between Cheapside and Leadenhall Market to the east. There is scope to enhance this link by improving pedestrian routes, in line with Core Strategy Policy CS6 (Cheapside and St Paul’s) and CS20 (Retailing).

The Bank Conservation Area is the largest of the 26 conservation areas in the City of London. Focused on Bank Junction and its surrounding streets, the strategy area sits within the conservation area. The Bank Conservation Area contains the largest concentration in the City of London of Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings, as well as numerous unlisted buildings of high architectural quality from different periods. Any works must conserve or enhance the special character of the area and its heritage assets and provide an attractive environment for the City’s communities and visitors, in accordance with Policy CS12 of the Core Strategy. Further guidance is also contained within the Bank Conservation Area Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD 2012.

2.3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE CHALLENGES:

Walking and Accessibility Core strategy policies CS10 (Design) and CS16 (Public Transport Streets and Walkways) are of relevance to this issue. In particular, Policy CS16 aims to improve access routes and streetscapes around Bank station and implement environmental enhancement strategies that encourage pedestrian and cycle travel, taking account of the needs of disabled people.

Bank is one of the most densely developed areas of the City and the streets are busy and crowded, particularly at peak times. Walking is by far the dominant mode of transport and a lot of the narrower streets struggle to cope with this high footfall, leading people to frequently walk in the carriageway. There is considerable conflict between modes of transport, principally at Bank Junction and at the informal pedestrian crossing points where the north-south lanes and alleys meet the east-west thoroughfares. Due to its medieval street pattern, many of the lanes in the area have narrow footways that are

not accessible for wheelchair users and several street crossings are difficult to navigate or lack dropped kerbs.

The expected increase in the number of workers in the City and in particular in the Eastern City Cluster will result in a growth in the numbers of pedestrians using the streets and spaces in the Bank area and this will add further pressure to an already crowded street environment.

Environment Core Strategy policy CS15 (Sustainable development and Climate Change) aims to create a more sustainable City, adapted to the changing climate. Core Strategy policy CS16 aims to minimise congestion and vehicle emissions. Policy CS19 (Open Spaces and Recreation) aims to increase the amount and quality of open spaces and green infrastructure, while enhancing biodiversity, including creating additional civic spaces from underused highways and securing additional open space and pedestrian routes, particularly in the eastern part of the City.

Air quality is poor in the City and is particularly poor at Bank Junction due to the number of streets that converge. There are also a large number of taxis and buses in this area and these vehicles emit the most pollution, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The area would benefit from easing pedestrian and vehicle movement across Bank Junction. This would reduce pollution and would mean that pedestrians do not have to linger next to the street for long periods, waiting to cross (which increases their exposure to poor air quality).

Since at least the 19th century, trees have been planted in the City’s streets. These were planted to improve air quality, provide shade and make the environment more attractive. Planting more street trees offers substantial benefits to the City community and environment, especially in the face of climate change and combating air pollution. Due to the medieval street pattern and the presence of underground services, it is difficult to find space to plant trees in the Bank area and there are very few at present. Some locations are also sensitive due to the presence of important listed buildings.

The historic density of plots in the area also means there are few public spaces, green spaces, or opportunities for outdoor seating and those that do exist are greatly valued but highly over-subscribed.

The area is home to a small number of historic churchyards that are mostly hidden at the end of alleys and lanes. These provide valuable quiet resting places for the numerous users of the area.

The future impacts of climate change also need to be considered and the public realm will need to be adapted to address its impacts.

2.3.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2011

A six-week consultation exercise was undertaken in late 2011, in which the City sought the views of the Bank area’s many users, occupiers and stakeholders, in order to understand key issues in the area and ascertain their priorities for improvements to the streets and public spaces. Comprising a variety of different feedback mechanisms, including on-site and online questionnaires, detailed one-to one interviews and a consultation blog, there was an excellent response, with 880 people taking part. Alongside the Core Strategy policies, its outcomes have provided the background and brief for this Strategy, ensuring that it appropriately meets the needs and expectations of local workers and occupiers in both the short and longer terms. Clear priorities identified through the consultation are as follows:

• Reducing traffic congestion and conflict between modes of transport and improving safety

• Improving the function and safety of Bank Junction

• Improving the pedestrian environment

• Improving provision for cyclists

• Adding more trees and green spaces

2. THE BANK AREA Challenges and Pressures for Change



The Core Strategy sets out the vision for addressing the challenges that face the City. The strategic objectives for achieving this vision are as follows:

Core Strategy Strategic Objective 1 To maintain the City’s position as the world’s leading international financial and business centre.

Core Strategy Strategic Objective 2 To ensure that the challenges facing the five Key City Places are met, complementing the core business function of the City, contributing to its unique character and distinguishing it from other global financial districts.

Core Strategy Strategic Objective 3 To promote a high quality of architecture and street scene appropriate to the City’s position at the historic core of London, complementing and integrating the City's heritage assets and supporting the continued development of the City as a cultural destination for its own communities and visitors.

Core Strategy Strategic Objective 4 To ensure that the City of London remains at the forefront of action in response to climate change and other sustainability challenges that face high density urban environments, aiming to achieve national and international recognition for its sustainability initiatives.

Core Strategy Strategic Objective 5 To ensure the provision of inclusive facilities and services that meet the high expectations of the City’s business, resident, student and visitor communities, aiming for continuous improvement in the City’s rating in satisfaction and quality of life surveys.

3.1 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Bank Area Enhancement Strategy align with, and further develop, the Core Strategy strategic objectives, in order to address the challenges that are specific for the Bank area. The key objectives for the Bank Area Enhancement Strategy are as follows:

3. OBJECTIVES AND VISION

OBJECTIVES FOR THE BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

• To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport.

• To improve the function of Bank junction for all modes of transport.

• To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre.

• To improve the pedestrian environment, create more space for pedestrians and ensure that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.

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The Core Strategy policies provide the approach for delivering the strategic objectives and Table 1 lists the relevant Core Strategy policies and the Bank Area Strategy objectives that relate to these policies:

3. OBJECTIVES AND VISION 3.1.1 Core Strategy Policies and Bank Area Strategy Objectives

CORE STRATEGY POLICIES BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

OBJECTIVES

Policy CS3 – Security and Safety To ensure that the City is secure from crime, disorder and terrorism, has safe systems of transport and is designed and managed to satisfactorily accommodate large numbers of people, thereby increasing public and corporate confidence in the City’s role as the world’s leading international financial and business centre.

• To reduce conflict and improve road safety for all modes of transport;

• To improve the function and safety of Bank Junction for all modes of transport;

• To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre;

• To improve the pedestrian environment by: creating more space for pedestrians, enhancing walking routes throughout the area and ensuring that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.

Policy CS4 – Planning Contributions To manage the impact of development, seeking appropriate contributions, having regard to the impact of the contributions on the viability of development.

• To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre.

Policy CS6: Cheapside and St Paul’s To develop the Cheapside and St Paul’s area as the City’s ‘high street’ and key visitor destination, increasing the amount of high quality retailing, promoting the City’s unique cultural and leisure activities and heritage and improving the pedestrian environment.

• To improve the function and safety of Bank junction for all modes of transport;



Policy CS10 – Design To promote a high standard and sustainable design of buildings, streets and spaces, having regard to their surroundings and the character of the City and creating an inclusive and attractive environment.



Policy CS12 – Historic Environment To conserve or enhance the significance of the City’s heritage assets and their settings, and provide an attractive environment for the City’s communities and visitors.


CORE STRATEGY POLICIES BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

OBJECTIVES

Policy CS15 – Sustainable Development and Climate Change To enable City businesses and residents to make sustainable choices in their daily activities creating a more sustainable City, adapted to the changing climate.



Policy CS16 - Public Transport Streets and Walkways To build on the City’s strategic central London position and good transport infrastructure to further improve the sustainability and efficiency of travel in, to, from and through the City.





Policy CS19 – Open Spaces and Recreation To encourage healthy lifestyles for all the City’s communities through improved access to open space and facilities, increasing the amount and quality of open spaces and green infrastructure, while enhancing biodiversity.



Policy CS20 – Retailing To improve the quantity and quality of retailing and the retail environment, promoting the development of the five Principal Shopping Centres and the linkages between them.



Table 1: relevant Core Strategy policies and related Bank Area Strategy objectives.



The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy seeks to preserve and enhance the area’s unique and special character and to ensure it maintains its status a world leading financial centre, appropriate to the needs of its many and varied users.

The vision is to maintain the Bank area’s prominence as an internationally renowned destination by creating a safe and attractive environment. By improving integration, reducing conflict between modes of transport, enhancing the current pedestrian environment and the area’s public spaces the Bank area will continue to be a dynamic and desirable place to work in and visit. Priority areas for change have been identified in the area strategy, and are outlined as follows and shown on Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9:

3.2.1 BANK JUNCTION

The strategy proposes a radical approach to dealing with the junction’s current deficiencies whilst at the same time making it able to accommodate future growth in pedestrian and cyclist numbers. The intended outcome is to provide a safer and simpler junction without having a negative impact on traffic congestion in the wider Bank area, in line with Core Strategy policies. Further details are set out in Figure 8 below.

The analysis of the area has also found that a significant number of pedestrians avoid Bank Junction and instead use surrounding routes to get to their destinations. Therefore, enhancement of these alternative routes is also a priority and is explored in more detail below.

3.2.2 EAST–WEST STREETS

These routes are heavily used by pedestrians particularly in peak hours. They are also subject to a lot of conflict between modes of transport as people jostle for space and pedestrians need to cross informally, particularly when crossing between the north-south lanes. Several key outcomes are proposed for these streets including; creating more space for pedestrians, reducing conflict between modes of transport, improving cycling facilities and safety and better accessibility. This will help to deliver the objectives of the Core Strategy as set out in Table 2 and shown on Figure 9.

3.2.3 NORTH–SOUTH LANES

There is considerable potential in the Bank area to carry out enhancements to the north-south routes which are vital walking routes that enable pedestrians to ‘by-pass’ the congestion of Bank junction. The route at Nicholas Lane, Birchin Lane and Finch Lane could be made more pleasant and accessible which would create a vital pedestrian and cycling route from Cannon Street to Old Broad Street, avoiding more congested routes and releasing pressure on other streets. This is supported by the policies of the Core Strategy as set out in Table 2 and shown on Figure 9.

3.2.4 COURTYARDS AND ALLEYS

There are several small scale enhancements that could provide the up-lift that many of these spaces need. This could be as simple as enhanced lighting or a more intensive cleansing regime to make the spaces appear well cared for and safe, particularly in view of the growing night-time economy. There is potential to enliven many of the forgotten spaces by encouraging retail uses or enhanced treatment of blank frontages or covered entrances, as well as providing more seating where appropriate. This approach is supported by the Core strategy policies as detailed in Table 2 and shown on Figure 7.

3.2.5 PUBLIC SPACES

It is proposed that the existing public spaces in the area be enhanced by rationalising street furniture, upgrading seating areas and providing more seats, including moveable seasonal day-time seats that could be managed by near-by retail units. The high status and historic significance of many of these spaces mean that they require a high quality yet simple design approach with the use of robust materials that can withstand intensive use. There is some potential on Walbrook to create a new public space at its southern end where the street is closed to vehicles. This will help to deliver the objectives of the Core Strategy. Further linkages are set out in Table 2 and shown on Figure 7 and Figure 9.

3.2.6 TREES AND GREENERY

Opportunities for tree planting and the creation of new green spaces are quite limited in the Bank area due to space constraints and setting considerations. However, the Strategy proposes several locations where trees can be planted, in particular, single trees of townscape significance that could grow to a significant size. These locations include Threadneedle Street close to the Royal Exchange where there are already several trees and Walbrook, where a few trees may be possible. Greening opportunities could include planters in courtyards and encouraging window boxes. Gardens and green spaces can play an important role in climate change resilience and opportunities for sustainable urban drainage systems should also be considered. Adding more trees and greenery is supported by the policies of the Core Strategy as set out in Table 2.

3.2 VISION FOR THE PRIORITY AREAS

PRIORITY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Area Strategy boundary

Bank junction

Old Broad Street

Lombard Street

Threadneedle Street

Cornhill

Austin Friars

Lanes, alleys and courts

Bank Area Strategy boundary and Priority Areas for Improvement.

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BANK JUNCTION

15

The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy provides a framework for improvements in the area over the next 10 years and expands upon how the City’s Core strategy policies will be delivered. The table below sets out the key (Higher priority) projects that flow from the Strategy. The following images and plans further illustrates how the objectives will be achieved.

3.2 VISION FOR THE PRIORITY AREAS 3.3 Achieving the Objectives

Table 2: key high priority projects that flow from the Strategy

PROJECT STRATEGY OBJECTIVE LDF CORE STRATEGY POLICY

PRIORITY

Improvements to Bank Junction




CS6 CS3 CS10 CS16

1

Improvements to Birchin Lane, Finch Lane, Nicolas Lane, Abchurch Lane


• To improve the pedestrian environment by: creating more space for pedestrians, enhancing walking routes throughout the area and ensuring that streets and spaces are inclusive and accessible to all;


CS3 CS10 CS16

1

Improvements to Lombard Street




CS3 CS10 CS16

1

Improvements to Austin Friars


CS10 CS16

1

PROJECT STRATEGY OBJECTIVE LDF CORE STRATEGY POLICY

PRIORITY

Enhancement of High Priority Public Spaces including Walbrook and the Royal Exchange



CS3 CS10 CS12 CS15 CS16 CS19

1

Enhancement of High Priority Courts and Alleys including Pope’s Head Alley and Newman’s Court



CS3 CS10 CS16

1

Access improvements across the area including raised pedestrian tables and dropped kerbs


CS3 CS10

1

Tree Planting across the area in appropriate locations


CS19 1

Improvements to Old Broad Street and Threadneedle Street



• To accommodate future growth, ensuring that the area functions well and provides a suitable environment that contributes towards maintaining the City’s status as the world’s leading international financial and -business centre;

CS3 CS10 CS16

2

Improvements to Cornhill




CS3 CS10 CS16

2



1

2

4

6

7

813

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15

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LANE

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POULTRY

PRINCE'S STREET THREADNEEDLE STREET

LOMBARD STREET


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ILLIAM STREET

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BANK JUNCTION IMPROVED PUBLIC SPACE

1 Royal Exchange Forecourt

2 Royal Exchange - Back

3 Newman’s Court

4 White Lion Court

5 Bank Station Exit Space at Lombard Street

6 Change Alley

7 Cowper’s Court

8 George Yard

9 Abchurch Yard

10 St Clement’s Court

11 Dutch Church Yard

12 Austin Friars’ Square

IMPROVED SOFT LANDSCAPING

13 St Edmund’s Church Yard

14 St Michael’s Rectory

15 St Peter’s Church Yard

Improvements to Bank junction for all users

Improvements to streets for all users

Improved public space

Improved crossing

Enhance and maintain soft landscaping

Improved pedestrian environment in lanes

Public space as part of new development

KEY

3.2 VISION FOR THE PRIORITY AREAS Overview

17

3.2 VISION FOR THE PRIORITY AREAS Bank Junction

OBJECTIVES

• Improve safety.

• Improve provision for pedestrians.

• Improve provision for cyclists.

• Reduce traffic conflicts.

• Manage future demand.

• Create a more efficient junction.

• Consider rebalancing bus routes.

• Consider radical options that could involve major change such as closing roads, timed closures or shared surfaces.


19

TO EASTERNCITY CLUSTER

ROYAL EXCHANGEBACK

ROYAL EXCHANGEFORECOURT

GEORGE YARD

BANKJUNCTION

Improve pedestrian environment at Lombard Street, consider pedestrian priority

Consider safety of cyclist contraflow lane at Lombard Street

Improve accessibility

Improve Public space in front of Bank station exit at Lombard Street and St Mary Woolnoth

Improve accessibility

Improvements to the Royal Exchange Forecourt and Royal Exchange - Back public spaces

Improve public space in George Yard

CORNHILL & LOMBARD STREET AREA

Improvements to north - south lanes and alleys to create enhanced walking routes.

Improvements to key informal crossing points.

TO EASTERNCITY CLUSTER

ROYAL EXCHANGEBACK

ROYAL EXCHANGEFORECOURT

GEORGE YARD

BANKJUNCTION

3.2 VISION FOR THE PRIORITY AREAS Cornhill and Lombard Street Area

Figure 9 Improvements to east-west thoroughfares and north-south lanes


20 BANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGYBANK AREA ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY