“Iconic gateway” and Public Space in Old Street, top four design ideas revealed

In December 2017, Islington Council, together with the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and Hackney Council, issued an ‘Open Call for Design Ideas’ to create an iconic gateway at Old Street. The purpose of this open call was to seek creative and innovative design ideas from a range of disciplines and partnerships, including design, architecture, art, planning and technology in the redesign of this space.

Last month a longlist of 39 design ideas were showcased in a public exhibition near Old Street roundabout and posted online. 1,245 members of the public had their say about the ideas and now the council’s judging panel has revealed which are its favourites. They are… below.

The judging panel recognised these four ideas for their focus on creating flexible and inclusive spaces, prioritising people and pedestrians, making cyclists feel welcome, and developing an iconic concept that continues to inspire every time one enters the space.

Old Street’s “iconic gateway” will be funded by Islington, and will add to TfL’s transformative changes to the roundabout, which start in late 2018 and will see the north-western arm of the roundabout permanently closed, creating a new pedestrianised public space.

A separate, formal tender process will take place next to develop feasible, affordable designs for the ‘iconic gateway’ to complement the wider transformation works.