The Aldgate Connections study identifies a series of strategic projects that collectively establish two main and a number of subsidiary coherent and legible north south pedestrian routes that increase permeability of the study area for pedestrian and cycling connectivity.
The centre of the Aldgate neighbourhood is less than five minutes walking distance from the key attractor of the Tower of London to the south, yet pedestrian movement between the Tower and its “hamlets” is constrained by strong barriers to movement due to inadequately placed road crossings, a lack of signage, substantial land holdings under development or land banked and impermeable street layouts that are counter to intuitive way finding.
Proposals for improved connectivity respond strategically to the development timescales of the study area and include temporary and permanent proposals to the street fabric as well as signage and intuitive way-finding interventions.
The increased permeability strategically links diverse destinations, such as the mainstream tourist attractions with residential areas and local shops, and in doing so establishes routes and creates public space that genuinely support a diverse constituency. This is not just a virtuous inclusive intent, but is a functional necessity: The layered approach will enhance existing amenities and fabric and bring benefits to the resident and to the visitor and the presence of a diverse public ensures overlaps of occupation by different groups throughout the day and week and hence increases safety and counters colonization by a single group.
