Camden Council has completed the transformation of the public realm at Princes Circus.
Princes Circus, which sits at the junction of High Holborn, Shaftesbury Avenue and New Oxford Street, is the final section of the West End project to be opened to the public.
In addition to creating a larger and traffic-free public square with improved pedestrian and cycle safety with widened pavements, new pedestrian crossings, and easy walking and cycling routes, there is also new seating and planting.
Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, said: “Princes Circus now sits perfectly as an improved and inviting pedestrian route between Covent Garden and the British Museum. The completed reimagining of this location has now transformed this area. Once again, we have changed road space into usable and enjoyable green space for everyone.
“There is now distinctive woodland style planting along with plenty of new places to stop, rest and enjoy the space. Later this year we will also be unveiling the original Grade II listed fountain from Princes Circus. This has been conserved and will become an ornamental centre piece of the new public square.”
Debbie Akehurst, chief executive of the Central District Alliance business improvement district, which provided £1.5m towards the construction of the new space, added: “I am deeply proud of our contribution to the transformative Princes Circus project. Our mission at CDA has always been to act as a driving force for economic growth and visibility, creating spaces where ambition meets achievement and innovation fuels our thriving community.
“Princes Circus is a testament to this mission. It has transformed an underutilised space into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly square that not only promotes safety and enjoyment, but also breathes new life into our district. By prioritising pedestrian and cycle safety and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area, we have created a place that truly reflects the dynamic essence of our district.
“This project is an example of the potential that lies in fostering open dialogue, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and innovating towards a resilient future. Together with Camden Council and other partners, we are shaping the pulse of our city, turning road spaces into green spaces, and enhancing the prosperity of our region.”
Tim South, project lead associate at LDA Design, said: “Removing sections of Shaftesbury Avenue and Bloomsbury Street has transformed Princes Circus from a constrained, polluted, and unloved West End space, hemmed in by fast-moving roads, into a new type of city square that will support residents, visitors, and local businesses, including the neighbouring Shaftesbury Theatre.
“This bow-tie piazza is made up of two linked triangular public spaces featuring distinctive but complementary designs. The mature trees, dappled shade and understorey planting gives the northern area a woodland feel. To the south, the space is open and generously seated, a great new spot to meet before the theatre or to take in the surrounding architecture, such as the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church.
“A monument originally installed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 has been restored and will be reinstated. Delivering projects of this nature requires a huge collaborative endeavour, and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with Camden and the wider team.”
