The Southgate Masterplan Vision document has been published by Enfield Council following a public consultation on how to improve the town centre, reports James Cracknell

The Southgate Masterplan Vision design for Chase Side

A new masterplan setting out how Southgate town centre could be transformed over the coming years has drawn a mixed reaction from councillors and residents’ groups.

Enfield Council’s ‘Journeys and Places’ team, which is responsible for looking at how public spaces and local roads can be improved, has published its ‘Southgate Masterplan Vision’ document – drawn up following a public consultation.

The plan includes a series of significant proposed changes to the high street along Chase Side and other main shopping areas such as Ashfield Parade and Crown Lane.

Improvements have already begun to be made in recent years, including the installation of a pocket park near Southgate Station, an art trail, and rain gardens along Chase Side.

The masterplan, if implemented, would build on this by creating a new “civic space” in Ashfield Parade, using “carriageway reductions and parking restrictions” on one side of the street to create space for a “pedestrian focused area” and tree planting.

At Southgate Circus, a new “station interchange” area would “create a more welcoming arrival point for residents and visitors” while “celebrating” the Grade 2*-listed tube station buildings, with raised crossings and “measures to slow traffic” to make it safer for pedestrians.

In Chase Side “reductions to the width of the carriageway and parking restrictions can help support a safer environment for pedestrians as well as support local business”, according to the masterplan.

No immediate changes are expected to take place, however, as funding is not yet available. Instead the masterplan will act as a guide for future interventions that will be subject to “further design development” over the coming years.

The Southgate Masterplan Vision design for 'Station Interchange' — The Southgate Masterplan Vision design for ‘Station Interchange’

Asked by the Dispatch for her reaction to the masterplan, Jane Maggs from Southgate District Civic Voice said the residents’ group “welcome the next stage of Southgate’s regeneration” and continued: “The concept shown will be an ambitious redesign of the area, incorporating many of the elements we know have been highlighted by this community at the various consultations.

“At this stage, the vision outlined in the document lacks much detail, making it difficult to comment fully. We also realise that some parts of this vision may be less welcome to some of our community. Therefore, we look forward to seeing more details, to really understand the proposed vision.”

Jane added: “Southgate District Civic Voice has always been clear, that people will come to Southgate if we give them good reasons. So, improving the environment and making it more interesting will all add to the mix. We hope that creating a more friendly environment will encourage a greater mix of shops and businesses in the future, as well as supporting the independent businesses already here.

“We look forward with interest to the next chapter for Southgate.”

In a joint statement, Southgate’s three Conservative councillors Stephanos Ioannou, Chris Joannides and Elisa Morreale said: “Whilst we welcome the extra investment and attention to Southgate, there are some issues with the proposed plans. We are concerned by the plans to reduce the size of carriageways and in particular issuing road closures in parts of Ashfield Parade and Crown Lane.

“The traffic and gridlock in the area is already at bursting point, therefore amendments of this kind may further increase congestion.

“Where we sympathise with the [Journeys and Places] department is that Southgate requires more greening measures. Overall, the progress by the department to improve Southgate has been extremely slow.

“Therefore we don’t have such high hopes that the department will achieve all its goals set out in the coming years.”

The Southgate Masterplan Vision design for Ashfield Parade

The masterplan does not include any mention of new cycle lanes but does include additional cycle parking spaces and references the “opportunity” to “improve town centre cycling infrastructure”.

Campaigner Alex Atherton from Better Streets for Enfield. He said: “Better Streets for Enfield supports the principles in the council’s masterplan for Southgate. We agree that Ashfield Parade, Crown Lane and Chase Side can all become more attractive places for walkers and wheelers and support the local businesses along the way.

“We would like more detail on what the experience will be for cycling on Chase Side in particular, which is not an enjoyable experience at the moment.

“We look forward to the next stage of planning and, in particular, a timeline for when improvements can happen.”

Following the publication of its Southgate Masterplan Vision, the council’s dedicated Southgate project page posted an updated stating: “We’re excited to share an update on the Southgate Masterplan Vision, which has now been completed by consultants East Architecture.

“This ambitious project sets out a long-term vision for Southgate town centre, building on recent improvements and shaping a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable future for the area.

“Over the past few years, Enfield Council’s Journeys and Places team has delivered enhancements such as parklets, rain gardens, and an arts trail celebrating local heritage.

“The masterplan builds on the work delivered to date, proposing a cohesive strategy focusing on enhancing key areas across the town centre, including the Station Interchange, Chase Side, Crown Lane and Ashfield Parade; making the transport interchange into a landmark place fit for the 21st Century; encouraging and supporting active travel through the town centre and to the station; using tree planting and rain gardens to manage rainwater, increase biodiversity and create a pedestrian friendly environment.

“Community engagement was central to this process, with over 450 residents, businesses, and young people sharing their views. Key priorities included safer walking routes, a welcoming station environment, reduced congestion, and improved public spaces.”

The website adds that a forthcoming ‘Town Centre Place Plan’ will be published in 2026 with the aim of securing funding for “phased delivery over time”.

Find out more and download a copy of the council’s Southgate Masterplan Vision:
Visit Southgate Town Centre | Let’s Talk Enfield

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.