Shortlands is set to benefit from a multi-million-pound revamp after Transport for London announced cash to “transform communities” and stop roads being dominated by cars.
Across the capital 11 new schemes were launched today outside Shortlands station by the Mayor of London’s walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman.
In Shortlands, the funding will redesign dangerous junctions to encourage more cyclists and walkers through TfL’s Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.
Speaking outside the station, Mr Norman said it was time to start investing in outer London.
“Our programme is a partnership between boroughs, the Mayor’s office and Transport for London to really transform communities,” said the City Hall commissioner.
“We are trying to reduce dependency on cars, making it safer, making air cleaner and increasing health in local communities and footfall into local businesses.
“We are doing that by transforming streets to make them friendlier for people and less car-dominated.
MORE - Fly-tipping hotspot Star Lane to be CLOSED as council crackdown on litterbugs
“Investment in outer London is absolutely essential. We know that where we invest in high-quality infrastructure, making it safer for people to walk and cycle then more people do.
“We have had great investment in inner London, but it is in outer London where we really need to invest.
“We want to work with boroughs to see the ambition of the scheme, to address local concerns and increase cycling and tackle dangerous roads.”
Bromley has been awarded a share of a £50m pot after it impressed City Hall with its engagement levels at early stages.
Improvements to Shortlands will involve bike lanes in Bromley Road and Valley Road, as well as a new pedestrian crossing on the A222 and a cycle hub at the station.
‘Pocket parks’ will be created near the war memorial and Station Road, which are hoped will become focal points for the village.
Back in February last year we promised we would make Shortlands safer for cyclists and walkers as well as improving the neighbourhood. Today we're delighted to announce that we've secured upto £10m from TFL to improve not just the junction but the whole area.
— Will Harmer (@will_harmer) March 5, 2019
Pavements will be improved and junctions widened as the one-off funding is pumped into tackling issues blighting Shortlands cyclists and walkers.
The money will also be used to improve areas around Copers Cope and Bromley town.
William Huntington-Thresher, the portfolio holder for environment at Bromley Council, said the cash from TfL was very welcome.
MORE - Tower block with no affordable housing approved in Sidcup despite fears over pub's live gigs
He said: “It’s useful to see investment in outer London.
“Often in mayoral plans it does seem Zone 1-centric, so it is welcome to see something that isn’t a Zone 1 scheme that can deal with our long-standing issues.
“It’s not investment for investment’s sake, it’s investment to solve local problems and improve the local area.”
A consultation on the changes will be launched in the next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel