Improving the space by Cobden’s statue

Published: 8 April, 2010

• IN response to the letter (Cobden plan is inspiring, April 1), I would like to share with readers the plans Camden Council has in place to develop the local community.
The council is in the final stages of completing a major £1.5million project to improve the northern end of Camden High Street from Castlehaven Road to Parkway.
This project is already making the high street and Camden Town more attractive and safer.
The project to upgrade the northern section of Camden High Street is the first part in a vision to improve the whole of Camden High Street.
We have also been working in close partnership with Transport for London to develop and bring forward proposals for the southern part of Camden High Street including the public space at the Cobden statue. Last month, TfL agreed funding for the next stage of improvements to Camden High Street which will focus on the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road.
These improvements will make it significantly easier for pedestrians to cross this busy junction as well as providing a proper public space next to Camden Town Tube.
We are keen to also take forward improvements around the Richard Cobden statue which would create a public space in the heart of Camden Town to benefit residents and businesses in the area.
We have done some preliminary design on some options and made several funding submissions to TfL.
We have also made a strong case for the scheme to other key decision makers in London including the mayor. The council will be continuing its efforts over the coming months and hope to build on the success of the upgrade of the northern section of the High Street and look forward to engaging the community with these plans in the near future. 
RACHEL STOPARD
Director, Environment & Culture, Camden Council