The City of London is set to enhance Fenchurch Street with a significant improvements project, aiming to widen pavements, improve accessibility, and introduce more green spaces and seating. The initiative, part of the Fenchurch Street Area Healthy Streets Plan, received approval to proceed with detailed design and stakeholder engagement, with an allocated budget of £370,000.
The project is designed to accommodate the anticipated increase in footfall resulting from nearby developments and the proximity to Fenchurch Street station. The overall estimated cost for the Fenchurch Street Improvements project is between £6 million and £8 million. Future construction is planned to be funded through a combination of developer Section 278 agreements and bids for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or On-Street Parking Reserve (OSPR) funding.
During a meeting of the Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, members approved the initiation of the project. This will involve essential technical surveys, including a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scan, to understand underground utility infrastructure and inform the feasibility of tree planting and greening initiatives. The design will focus on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and safety, with further development of environmental features such as greening and seating planned.
The detailed design and stakeholder engagement
phase is expected to take approximately 12 months, with a Gateway report
anticipated in Summer 2027. Construction commencement will follow the detailed design and funding confirmation.
Beyond accommodating increased footfall, the Fenchurch Street Improvements project aims to create a safer, greener and more welcoming environment
and transform Fenchurch Street into a high-quality, attractive destination
. Specific anticipated benefits include improved accessibility
, improved pedestrian comfort
, and supporting the long-term economic resilience of the eastern City
by maintaining its status as a premier global business destination
. The project also aims to support the increase in walking and wheeling required to deliver the Climate Action Strategy.
The project aligns with the City Corporation's Corporate Plan, Transport Strategy, and Climate Action Strategy. Specifically, it aims to support the increase in walking and wheeling required to deliver the Climate Action Strategy.
The Transport Strategy objectives include ensuring the public realm is accessible through the inclusion of dropped kerbs, enhanced lighting, etc.
, introduction of planting that is climate resilient and encourages local biodiversity
, and introduction of new seating, providing the opportunity for people to dwell within the enhanced public spaces.
The project's objectives also include eliminating severe accessibility barriers (CoLSAT '0' scores) and improving pedestrian comfort.
Regarding traffic flow, the project is not proposed to restrict traffic movement or access.
The design principles include reallocation and narrowing of the carriageway
to maintain vehicle access while freeing up space for wider pavements.
Developer-led Section 278 schemes will be integrated into the overall Fenchurch Street Improvements project. The City Corporation's approach is to confirm a design for the renewal of Fenchurch Street that can accommodate this development pipeline and ensure S278 works are part of a wider design strategy for the street.
This coordinated approach is essential to delivering a unified, high-quality public realm along the entire corridor.
Officers will ensure individual developer-funded S278 projects align with the project's overarching strategy. See Public reports pack 21st-Jul-2026 13.45 Streets and Walkways Sub Planning and Transportation Com.pdf
