Plans to revamp Gordon Street are now in the process of public consultation, which could mean that one of the most used streets on campus gets shut off for an extended period of time.
The proposals revealed on 18 July outline changes to Gordon Street and Gordon Square west that, if they are to go ahead, would trial traffic restrictions for 18 months before additional works go ahead. Stakeholders (including all students at UCL) have until 29 August to share their views.
At a glance, the changes include plans to restrict vehicle traffic to only loading and Blue Badge holders, introduce new Blue Badge and loading bays, add planters for more greenery, create seating spaces, keep current cycle hire and E-scooter bays, and improve cycle safety where vehicle traffic is likely to be redirected.
The consultation webpage states: “We want to build on our work complete in partnership with UCL on the Gordon Square (north) to improve this area further”.
Some may be fatigued at the sight of yet more construction works, although these plans are being proposed by Camden Council and not the University. One UCL student told The Cheese Grater, “The current works in [the Main Quad] pose huge accessibility issues, especially at night … now I’m worried that Gordon Street will become less accessible”.
Campus identity has already been tarnished this year with the Main Quad closure, but it’s also easy to see the positive results of the transformation to Gordon Square north – it has become a thriving student space in the past year.
Others might say that the proposals do not go far enough, arguing instead that there is more potential for pedestrianisation, especially in the lower two-thirds of the street.
The consultation fails to provide excessive detail on the extent of pedestrianisation (more than likely due to the early nature of the project), leaving the potential for no repaving at all such as was done in the otherwise successful Gordon Square north.
Choosing to share your views will prompt you with questions like, “how would you like to see the space used?” and “what else would you like us to add to the space?”: Given the diversity and size of the UCL community it’s easy to imagine the possibilities. With some real ambition we could see outdoor performing spaces for artsUCL, or street furniture for the likes of Parkour or Skate Club.
In any case, we are likely to see at least lots of functional similarity to the installation in Gordon Square north, that is, in 2 years from now.
The proposals are part of wider plans from Camden Council aligned towards climate action, sustainability, clean air, as well as safe and healthy streets.
Meanwhile, further up Gordon Street, UCL has already begun a different set of renovations on the side of the Christopher Ingold Building, which are expected to be completed in November.
The changes to the Chemistry Department’s building will include a green wall and canopy underneath which the cycle parking will remain.
The page also features a section referring to the consultation regarding the rest of Gordon Street.
UCL encourages all members of the UCL community to take part in the consultation.
