Work on the ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ scheme finally looks set to commence later this year
Residents are being invited to submit their views on newly-published plans for the first phase of a long-awaited revamp of Enfield Town – ahead of its expected installation later this year.
New public spaces, pedestrian crossings, junction upgrades and footpaths are proposed as part of the ‘Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhoods’ scheme for the town centre, after £6m of funding towards the improvements was finally confirmed by Transport for London (TfL) last year.
A new consultation began last Wednesday (7th) and continues until Sunday, 3rd March – the fifth time in six years the council has sought local people’s views on the revamp. However, this is the final, statutory consultation, which is required before the council can begin implementing the planned changes.
While proposals such as the new plaza planned for outside Enfield Town Station, an upgrade to Fountain Island and segregated cycle lanes on Cecil Road will come later as part of the second phase, with more funding still being sought, the first phase includes the creation of a new public square – tentatively dubbed ‘Saddlers Mill Square’ – at the junction of Little Park Gardens and Church Street, which will be blocked off to traffic.
The first phase also includes the relocation and upgrade of the pedestrian crossing on Cecil Road and the installation of a diagonal footpath through Library Green which will provide a shortcut for people walking between the town centre and Town Park.
Other changes that affect the public highway, such as changes to waiting and loading times, access to Little Park Gardens and a remodelling of the Church Street and Cecil Road junction, are listed in a traffic management order published on the council’s website here.
Some on-street parking spaces are being “repurposed” to accommodate the plans, although the council says “new options like dedicated motorcycle and disabled bays are being proposed”.
On its webpage promoting the scheme, the council says: “The Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhoods project proposes improved walking and cycling provisions as well as public transport passenger facilities to reduce car use and promote sustainable transport options.
“It also has a focus on improving public realm spaces that provide places to stop and rest and promote a bustling and vibrant town centre.
“This is an ambitious plan for our town centre and the council. The council will look to deliver the project in phases as funding becomes available.”
A drop-in session where people can view the plans and submit their views is taking place from 11am-2pm on Tuesday, 20th February, at Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, while there will be an ongoing exhibition at Enfield Town Library until 3rd March. A webinar is also taking place from 6pm on Tuesday, 27th February.
The website adds: “Following the statutory consultation, a formal report will be produced that summarises the feedback received. Enfield Council will provide a response and use the comments received to make a decision on whether or not to implement the project. The report will be publicly available and will be uploaded to this project page.”
For more information on the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhoods project:
Visit https://letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/enfieldtown
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