A number of projects aimed at improving the town centre for walking and cycling have been completed in recent weeks

The newly-created Saddlers Square in Enfield Town (credit Enfield Council)

A new public space in Enfield Town will be officially opened this weekend as part of the first phase of a wider regeneration project.

Saddlers Square has been created at the junction of Church Street and Little Park Gardens in Enfield Town centre, after Enfield Council closed it to traffic.

It is one of many new features completed in the town centre in recent months as part of the wider ‘Liveable Neighbourhood’ programme funded with £6million from Transport for London plus cash from local developers. It is aimed at improving the area for walking and cycling.

Other new features include pedestrian crossings both on Church Street and Cecil Road and an extended footpath through Library Green, better linking the town centre to Town Park. Rain gardens have also been installed in Church Street, facilitated by the removal of some parking spaces.

New rain gardens in Church Street (left) and a new pedestrian crossing in Cecil Road (right)

A launch event for Saddlers Square will be held this Saturday (25th) from 11am.

Sabri Ozaydin, the council’s cabinet member for climate action and placemaking, said: “I am delighted the first phase of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project has now been completed.

“The borough’s residents have been integral to the development of the project, as their views and vision to help improve the town centre has helped to shape the design. I would like to invite all residents and their friends and family to join me at the official opening of Saddlers Square, for what will be a fantastic celebration.

“I hope these transformational changes will encourage more people to visit Enfield Town actively and to explore the beautiful decorations that celebrate our heritage and community.”

The council commissioned artist James Tunnard to create new artworks for Saddlers Square, as part of a wider arts trail that will connect different sites throughout Enfield Town. James designed Riverpath and a series of stepping posts, created in stone and inspired by Saddlers Square’s proximity to nature and water and Enfield Town’s strong literary connections.

Saddlers Mill Stream flows in a culvert underneath Enfield Town.

James worked closely with pupils from George Spicer School in Southbury Road as well as Enfield Poets, who created fish motifs and original poetry, which have been incorporated into the artworks, alongside the poetry of John Keats.

Other proposals for Enfield Town, while will come as part of a second phase of works, are set to include a new plaza outside Enfield Town Station, an upgrade to Fountain Island and segregated cycle lanes on Cecil Road. The council says discussions are ongoing with TfL to secure further funding, with an announcement expected later this year.

For further information on the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project:
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/enfieldtown

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