New cycle lanes and improved pedestrian crossings promised but previous plans for Market Square have been ditched
Work on the second phase of Enfield Town’s revamp looks set to start later this year after the council confirmed funding was now available to proceed.
Residents are being invited to comment in a final, statutory consultation on the latest part of the long-awaited ‘Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood’ project – with new cycle lanes in Cecil Road, London Road and Genotin Road, widened pedestrian crossings in Church Street, London Road and Genotin Road, relocated crossings in Cecil Road, plus a ‘red route’ along both Church Street and The Town banning any stopping except in designated loading bays.
Enfield Council has been consulting on various aspects of the town centre revamp since 2018 and was finally able to install the first phase of its plans last year after Transport for London (TfL) stumped up £6million of funding.
A new public square was created at the junction of Church Street and Little Park Gardens, named ‘Saddlers Square‘, while two new signalled crossings were installed with an extended path through Library Green to improve access to Town Park.
The second phase had been set to include a revamp of Market Square, but this has now been dropped following a disagreement around parking with the market’s operators, The Old Enfield Charitable Trust, which relies on parking revenue to fund many of its activities.
One new aspect of the second phase now proposed is a short 24-hour bus lane in Church Street which can also be used by cyclists, taxis and motorbikes. The red route, according to the council, is needed to “help keep traffic moving, improve safety, and support reliable public transport along this busy stretch of road”.
‘Floating’ bus stops in Cecil Road, where bus passengers need to cross the new cycle lane to access them, remain part of the phase two plans despite previous criticism. These are different to bus stop ‘boarders’, however, which force passengers to step directly into the cycle lane when disembarking and boarding.
The redesign of a new plaza outside Enfield Town Station has yet to be finalised and is not included in the statutory consultation now ongoing. There is also no mention in the consultation of any changes to Fountain Island, which had previously been proposed. A redesign of Colman Parade is also not included at this stage.
Another significant aspect of the phase two plans is the restriction of access to St Andrew’s Road from Southbury Road, with only emergency vehicles and cyclists being permitted to enter the road from the south in future. New River Loop Car Park will see a similar restriction but from the northern end, blocking access from Churchbury Lane.
Regarding funding, as well as TfL’s previous £6m contribution the council says it has sourced other money from developers through the community infrastructure levy (Cil) and also secured additional cash from TfL, but has not answered questions from the Dispatch over the new total level of funding now available.
On its consultation website the council states: “The Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project proposes improving public realm spaces to provide places to stop and rest and promote a bustling and vibrant town centre.
“It also proposes improved walking and cycling facilities as well as public transport passenger facilities to reduce car use and promote sustainable transport options. This project is part-funded by Transport for London.
“This is an ambitious plan for our town centre and the council. The council is delivering the project in phases as funding becomes available.”
Asked to comment further, a spokesperson added: “Funding has been secured from TfL to start delivery of phase two proposals should the decision be made to proceed following the statutory consultation. We also have funding from the community infrastructure levy. We are confident that funding for all the works outlined in phase two will be secured.”
In addition, the council says its phase two interventions also include “new greening, widening footways, resurfacing and footway improvements that have been shared with the community through previous engagement”.
However, these features don’t require a traffic order and are therefore not part of the council’s statutory consultation.
The council adds: “The design for the Enfield Town Station Plaza is currently being discussed with third parties responsible for this land including Arriva Rail London, Network Rail and Transport for London.
“During previous engagement stages, ideas have been shared on opportunities to integrate changes to Market Square as part of the project. The [Old Enfield Charitable Trust] remains committed to Market Square as an integral part of Enfield Town, however this land will not be part of the Liveable Neighbourhood scheme going forward. The council and the trust will continue to work together on how these spaces work together in the future.
“As the existing car park and market on Market Square remain, the council is exploring opportunities to reimagine the public highway and to align these proposals to the current surroundings in this location.
“We are excited to share some ideas for how this space can provide some greening, seating and opportunities for art, and we would like to invite you to help shape these proposals.”
Residents can take part in the consultation via an online survey or through one of two drop-in events later this week, as well as a webinar taking place this evening (Tuesday 17th). The consultation deadline is Sunday, 13th July, with maps and other renditions of the plans available to view until this date at Enfield Town Library.
The first drop-in session is being held at Enfield Town Library Green from 12pm–2pm on Thursday (19th), and the second will be held at Palace Gardens Shopping Centre (near Office Shoes) from 10am–12pm on Saturday (21st).
To view the draft traffic order:
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/2475/widgets/8728/documents/85603
To view a map of proposed changes to Enfield Town:
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/2475/widgets/8728/documents/85604
To take part in the online survey:
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/EnfieldTown
Update (18th June):
Bindya Amin, trust manager at The Old Enfield Charitable Trust, said: “The trust continues to liaise with Enfield Council on their Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood Project. As the owners of the Market Place, we will continue to operate the established three-day market from Thursday to Saturday, and provide short-stay car parking from Sunday to Wednesday, as is currently the case.
“The trust’s primary focus remains on supporting residents through our grant-making programme. Each year, we award approximately £250,000 in personal, education, and community grants to individuals and organisations based in the EN1, EN2, and EN3 postcode areas.”
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