On Tuesday 1 September, we will start on our improvements to Old Broad Street and Threadneedle Street. It is part of our Pedestrian Priority Programme to make walking safer, easier, and more accessible in the Square Mile, with nicer places for people to spend time in. The improvements, that will take place on Threadneedle Street from Bishopsgate to Old Broad Street, and Old Broad Street from Threadneedle Street to Throgmorton Street, will include:
More space for people with wider pavements and a narrower carriageway that’s quicker and easier to cross
Accessibility improvements
A raised surface at the junction of Old Broad Street, Threadneedle Street and Finch Lane that should promote slower turning vehicles and reinforce priority for people walking and wheeling
The overall design is shown in the two visualisations below.
When and where construction will take place
Construction is scheduled to begin at the eastern end of Threadneedle Street, with teams working progressively towards the junction with Old Broad Street. This initial section is due to be completed by early February 2027.
To ensure the safety of the public and our workforce, Threadneedle Street will be closed to all traffic, including cycles, for the duration of these works.
However, fully accessible routes for all pedestrians will be carefully maintained throughout. Finch Lane and the left turn out of it onto Threadneedle Street will remain open as normal until late January 2027, at which point we will begin approximately two weeks of targeted work at this location.
For businesses and delivery drivers who use the loading bay on Threadneedle Street, a temporary alternative loading bay will be provided just to the west.
In mid-February 2027, the project will move onto Old Broad Street to extend the footway on the western side of the street, specifically between Threadneedle Street and Throgmorton Street. This second phase is expected to last until late March 2027.
During this period, Old Broad Street will remain open to northbound traffic. The southbound cycle contraflow, however, will be temporarily closed to provide the necessary space for our team to work safely. As with the first phase, accessible access for people walking and wheeling will be maintained at all times.
Further details, including the exact location of the temporary loading bay, can be found in the comprehensive construction phasing plan at the bottom of this page. Because construction schedules are inherently subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, any revised versions of the programme will be published directly here, alongside a clear explanation for the adjustment.
Diversions during the work
For drivers accessing Threadneedle Street from Bishopsgate, a signed diversion will be in place for the duration of the works. To reach the temporary loading bay, traffic will need to follow the route via Wormwood Street, London Wall, St Martin’s Le Grand, Gresham Street, Lothbury and Bartholomew Lane.
Please note that access to premises on Bishopsgate between Threadneedle Street and Cornhill will be fully permitted at all times. Vehicles exiting this particular area will be directed out via Leadenhall Street.
Clear diversion routes will also be established for cyclists while Threadneedle Street remains closed. Those travelling eastbound will be diverted via Finch Lane to Cornhill, while westbound cyclists will be redirected to use Cornhill instead.
Who to contact
The project is being delivered by FM Conway. If you have any questions about the day-to-day management of the works, please contact them on 01732 600 888.
If you require out of hours assistance, please contact the City’s main switchboard on 0207 606 3030.
If you have a general enquiry regarding the Pedestrian Priority Programme, please contact the Pedestrian Priority team.
