The Public Realm Vision for the Eastern City sets out a long-term social, cultural and spatial vision for the streets and public spaces around the Eastern City, delivered in partnership between the public and private sector.

The public spaces in the Eastern City have been vital to the area’s civic identity. Glass and steel skyscrapers stand in contrast to narrow alleyways, hidden gardens and yards that uncover remnants of the Roman and medieval city. The contrast of old and new has a strong presence on the urban pattern and shapes the overall experience of the public realm.

With substantial office developments planned for the next 15 years, and a growing influx of leisure visitors through the City of London Corporation’s Destination City scheme, the Eastern City is poised for significant change. Aligned with ongoing initiatives led by the City of London Corporation and Transport for London, the vision brings in the views of workers, nearby residents, developers, and visitors to support efforts to decongest streets and reimagine public space across the BID area.

Publica gathered a vast amount of data through extensive fieldwork in the Eastern City. We used a range of methods, including mapping, photography, and ethnographic observation. Between February and March 2024, we facilitated a series of on-street pop up sessions engaging with the local community, workers and visitors, to better understand their aspirations and priorities for the Eastern City.

The vision outlines a high-quality area defined by welcoming spaces; resilient trees and planting; lively uses and activity; intuitive navigation; historic character and lighting; an environment that is accessible for all; and a safe and inclusive neighbourhood.

In addition to long-term strategic aims and recommendations for area-wide initiatives, it proposes a suite of site-specific interventions within five key areas: 

1. London Bridge to Liverpool Street, running north to south on the western side of Gracechurch Street and Bishopsgate.
2. Monument to Spitalfields, running north to south on the eastern side of Gracechurch Street and Bishopsgate.
3. The southeastern gateways, connecting Aldgate, Tower Hill, the Tower of London, and the riverfront to the Eastern City area.
4. The east-west routes, connecting Aldgate to Bank and Fleet Street beyond.
5. The area’s historic core, the remaining blocks of medieval courts, Victorian shopfronts and the alleyways that connect them.

The proposed improvements include small-scale interventions, which align with the seven aims of the Vision and address the context and conditions of each route. In addition, there are several transformative projects highlighted, such as the removal of the Houndsditch-Bevis Marks gyratory and the creation of a new park at Camomile Street, which is currently being studied by the Corporation.

As the Eastern City enters a new era of renewal and growth, Publica’s holistic design approach guides the evolution of a more liveable, vibrant and equitable place for more than 90,000 daily workers, tourists and residents, which responds to the climate crisis and advances environmental, social and governance goals.