Transforming one of London’s oldest highways, reconnecting places and communities, transforming perceptions, encouraging positive change and stimulating investment.
WHAT IS HIGH STREET 2012?
High Street 2012 is an ambitious project to improve and celebrate one of the capital’s great historic highways which connects the City to Stratford (and therein the Olympic Park). The route encompasses a number of connecting 'High Streets', namely Whitechapel High Street, Whitechapel Road, Mile End Road, Bow Road and High Street Stratford. With medieval origins, much of the route travels through conservation areas which contain many listed buildings, including impressive Georgian terraces. Other sections were redeveloped following bombing in World War II. Trees also play a surprisingly large part in the associated streetscape.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?
Overall, the route provides a fascinating transect of the city, but as varied, vibrant and interesting as it is, much of it is plainly in need of a face lift. Over the years heavy handed traffic and pedestrian 'engineering', poor quality public space, street clutter and indifferent modern alterations to historic buildings have all combined to erode the quality of the historic places along the route.
WHAT IS BEING DONE?
The High Street 2012 project has brought funding together from a number of sources, including English Heritage, who have contributed over £1m. This is being used to help pay for the various works of refurbishment and improvement. Excellent results have already been achieved, and the overall project is due for completion in 2013. Another benefit of the project has been some new listings of historic buildings.
Much more information can be found at www.highstreet2012.com.
