Rejuvenating sense of place through public realm in the Fleet Street Quarter

The Fleet Street Quarter is one of the most historic and exciting districts in London and over the last 2,000 years, it has regularly reinvented itself. Today, the area is embarking on another remarkable transformation.

Over the next five years, the area will welcome more than 3m sq ft of new state of the art office, retail, hotel and leisure spaces, including the new Justice Quarter. Equating to a £5bn gross development value, this investment is set to bring in an additional 25,000 office workers to the area and presents a unique opportunity to create a vibrant community that draws on the area’s historic surroundings.

Key to delivering this vision is the creation of an inviting public realm. In collaboration with Gensler, NRP and UP Projects, the Fleet Street Quarter BID has proposed an ambitious journey to revitalise and improve the area’s public realm, so it is fit for this influx of workers and visitors. Recognising the significance of a well-designed and inviting urban space, we have outlined a vision aligning with the City of London’s Draft City Plan 2040 and its inspiring Healthy Streets plan, which will transform Fleet Street Quarter into a vibrant and people-first environment.

This initiative aims to not only preserve the rich history of the district but also to create a dynamic, inclusive and sustainable urban experience for workers and visitors alike. This 10-year public realm vision is currently in its conceptual stage and is contingent on additional feasibility studies, consultations and investigations into potential funding sources, involving collaboration with the City of London Corporation, Transport for London and various stakeholders.

The Fleet Street Quarter area boasts a rich history, with its intricate streets and historic buildings. Acknowledging the value of preserving this heritage, the vision incorporates measures to enhance the district’s historical character while seamlessly integrating modern elements that cater to the diverse needs of the community.

One of the focal points of the vision is the implementation of green spaces. By incorporating pockets of greenery, communal gardens and tree-lined avenues, we aim to create a more appealing environment for those visiting, working and residing in the area. These green spaces, such as the proposed vision for Holborn Forest, which will see Holborn Circus transformed into a green urban woodland that can function as a destination in its own right, not only contribute to improved air quality but also provide residents and visitors with spaces to relax and connect with nature amid the bustling cityscape.

To encourage a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, we propose investment in redesigning the streetscapes. Wider pavements, strategically placed benches and pedestrian zones would enhance safety and create opportunities for social interaction and community engagement. By prioritising the needs of those on foot, the district aims to increase footfall and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle.

An example of where we’re already making progress in this area is our involvement in the City of London Corporation’s Healthy Streets Plan. The proposals explore ways to reshape the streets surrounding Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill and promote walking and cycling by regulating vehicle access. The aim is to create streets that are both accessible and safe.

The strategy also recognises the importance of art and culture in enriching the public realm with the installation of art and sculptures to celebrate cultural landmarks. An example of this is the recent ‘Walking with the Snowman’ art trail, a free outdoor exhibition to increase foot traffic and encourage visitors to explore all parts of the Quarter. These artistic elements will serve as focal points, provoking conversations and fostering a sense of identity and pride among the community.

To help this become a reality, the Fleet Street Quarter is collaborating with the London Festival of Architecture in an open call for architects, artists and designers to propose trail of distinct but connected architectural interventions that communicate a narrative about the changing Square Mile and evoke its rich history. Entrants have been asked to present ideas for a lively series of public realm interventions and we are expecting submissions ranging from outdoor auditoria, urban furniture and public art installations to greenery and wayfinding elements, all slated for installation in the summer of 2024.

In tandem, the BID is committed to developing an environment that nurtures the growth of small businesses and encourages them to set up shop in the area. Recognising the vital role that local enterprises play in creating a distinctive and vibrant community, the improvement plan includes targeted initiatives to attract and support entrepreneurs.

By creating a people- and business-friendly ecosystem, the Fleet Street Quarter aims to not only attract a diverse array of enterprises but also to establish itself as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and community-driven commerce. This strategic focus on small business growth ensures that the district’s revitalisation not only enhances the physical landscape but also contributes to the economic vitality and resilience of the Fleet Street Quarter area.

Central to the success of the revitalisation plan is ongoing community engagement. The BID actively seeks input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure that the improvements align with the needs and desires of the community. By creating a collaborative approach to urban development, the BID is able to foster a sense of ownership and pride among those who call the Fleet Street Quarter their home.

Our vision for a rejuvenated public realm represents a commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant urban space. By seamlessly blending historical preservation with modern innovations, the district aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents, provide a fertile ground for business growth and offer a memorable experience for visitors. The proposed revitalisation strategy would allow the Fleet Street Quarter area to emerge as a shining example of successful urban development in the 21^st century, where the past meets the future in a harmonious celebration of community and culture.