Plans unveiled for ‘dramatic’ makeover of the Narrow Way

How the Narrow Way might look at night. Photograph: Hackney Council

Designs for a “dramatic reimagining” of the so-called retail heartland of Hackney Central have been unveiled by Hackney Council.

The council is consulting on a multi-million pound rejuvenation scheme for the Narrow Way, including a “pedestrian-friendly surface” and a new junction realigning the north of the busy shopping street with Clarence Road.

The council hopes the new surface will help solve the “perceived conflict between cyclists and pedestrians” on the Narrow Way by encouraging “slower, safer and more considerate cycling”.

Proposals also include infrastructure such as a public square by St Augustine’s Tower, space for outdoor tables and seating, more cycle parking and better seating, improved CCTV and more trees.

Designs showing how the bottom of the Narrow Way might look. Photograph: Hackney Council

Loading times will also be altered. Instead of vehicles being able to unload between 4pm and 10am Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday, unloading will be permitted between 6pm and 10am every day with no designated bays.

The council says it is working with lighting specialists to develop “innovative and energy efficient lighting” that will help support night-time activity on the Narrow Way.

The council’s redesigns of the busy shopping street have not always been popular with local traders.

Last year a group of shopkeepers protested after the council closed off the road to buses, arguing that the decrease in footfall was impacting on trade.

To read more about the proposals and to contribute to the consultation click here.