Whitechapel Market transformation begins
2.5 million pounds worth of improvements to revamp
Whitechapel Market get underway next week.
Part of the multi-million pound plans to rejuvenate High Street
2012 - the main thoroughfare between central London and the Olympic
Park – the works will ready the area for increased visitors due to
the Olympics, the Royal London Hospital expansion, and Crossrail.
They will also ensure that the market remains attractive to
shoppers - and ultimately better for business.
Works to the market include improvements to the roads and
pavements, new lighting, new bin storage areas, updated electricity
supplies and the provision of water for the stallholders. The
scheme has also been designed to provide a more safe and attractive
public area.
In addition, 60 historic buildings are being restored in phases
as part of High Street 2012 and the Heritage Lottery Fund’s
‘Townscape Heritage Initiative’ (THI). Works to the first 10
buildings have just begun on site, at 279- 305 Whitechapel Road,
just west of Whitechapel station.
Every effort has been made to minimise disruption to market
traders, however to allow for the works to take place small
sections of the market will be transferred to the other side of
Whitechapel Road for short time periods. Trader are able to choose
between transferring for the duration of the works that are taking
place in their section of the market, or waiving their pitch
for that period.
Whitechapel Market traders have been consulted and have helped
shape the plans to improve their market. The works will be complete
by April 2012.
The High Street 2012 programme, which includes the improvements
to the market, have been developed by Tower Hamlets Council in
consultation with the community and project partners English
Heritage, Transport for London, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and
Design for London at the London Development Agency.
The £11 million project has seen the local authority
harness the momentum of the Olympic Games to provide lasting
improvements to the borough. Works also include the restoration of
historic buildings and shopfronts, and the refurbishment of Altab
Ali Park.
To find out more about this project visit
www.highstreet2012.com
October 13, 2011