Project: Holy Trinity Square, Hartland Road, Camden, London.
We recently received news from Camden Council that they are progressing with the closure of Hartland Road, in response to the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. This is a project we have been working on for a few years with Richard Keep Architects and is a positive step for the council to implement changes quickly in response to this unprecedented time.
The road closure measures align with a borough wide initiative ‘to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle locally, shop on their local high street, reach their local green spaces, schools and NHS sites, all while maintaining physical distancing.’
The vehicle controls are being applied to Hartland Road and Clarence Way to include a combination of fixed and removable bollards with a series of No Entry and Motor Vehicles Prohibited signs. Deliveries, emergency services and refuse collection will be able to lower the bollards for access. Local residents will be able to enter both sides of the restrictions.
Hartland Road | Holy Trinity and St Silas School
Background.
We developed a number of options for the scheme in close consultation with Holy Trinity and St Silas School, Local Residents and Camden Council. Based on a wider framework and urban realm study, the project reviewed feasibility options for a new public square and playground on Hartland Road connecting Holy Trinity St Silas' Primary School and the church.
The key driver for the design at this stage was to provide a flexible link between the current school building and its Assembly Hall / Dining Room on the other side of Hartland Road, annexed to Holy Trinity church. With Hartland Road open to vehicles a designated warden had to act as a traffic warden to safeguard primary school pupils. This was a safety concern for the school with children crossing the road numerous times during the day. Three options were considered at this stage from simple traffic control measures with either a removable or fixed bollard to permanent closure and creation of a square and controlled junction at Clarence Way / Hartland Road.
During the consultation a number of themes emerged, with a concern over the streets being used as a short cut between Kentish Town Road, Prince of Wales Road and Chalk Farm Road. Dangerous driving and speeding vehicles were noted as a key issue, particularly around the junction of Clarence Way / Hartland Road Junction, which has poor visibility. Further traffic surveys were undertaken by the council with teachers and pupils visiting local residents and businesses to deliver a leaflet to gather feedback on the scheme.
The exercise was undertaken alongside the Camden Town Low Emission Neighbourhood Project to help create safer streets and improve local air quality, an important issue when considered to the welfare of pupils attending Holy Trinity and St Silas School. Various funding mechanisms were considered including potential use of CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding or Section 106 funding. With the aforementioned crisis, the council have responded to create space and protect people’s health, with the project moving forward through use of an Experimental Traffic Order, which is effective for 18 months..
Benefits.
With the scheme being installed with a degree of expediency, the benefits will be immediate for the school and local residents. Reducing traffic levels will create a traffic free cell to facilitate walking and cycling and promote a rise in walking and cycling. Kentish Town West Overground Station is close to Camden Market, but presently feels disconnected through a lack of legibility and way finding. This important connection will strengthen local community connections to improve access to local green spaces, including Castlehaven Open Space, Camden Gardens and Talacre Gardens / Community Sports Centre. The project sits in the context of other initiatives lead by the council and Mayor of London to maintain social distancing and the need for travel to promoting walking and cycling as alternatives.
Long Term Vision.
We would hope the temporary traffic control measures would become permanent, leading to the Holy Trinity Square shared space outside the school. This civic space would become a valuable resource and would help promote walking and cycling in the area.
Design Concept
Holy Trinity Square. Sketch | Consultation image.
Holy Trinity Square. Design Concept Diagram
Hartland Road (before closure) a conflict between children crossing and vehicles.
Hartland Road. (before closure) large vehicles used the road as through route.