Kilburn could be transformed with new cycle lanes, wider pavements and a ‘pocket park’

North London’s city center is set for a huge makeover with a plan designed to make the area a safer and more attractive place for visitors. Proposed changes include widening sidewalks along the high street, new bike lanes, a “pocket park” and adding new traffic restrictions.

Brent Council, in conjunction with Camden Council and the City of Westminster, has launched a public consultation on planned changes to Kilburn town centre. It is already open for residents to give their views on the proposals and is scheduled to run until August 23.

Councils claim the changes will help improve road safety and local air quality to make Kilburn a “better and safer place for residents”, as well as attracting more visitors to the area. They hope the changes will make the city center a “more pleasant” place to walk, cycle and shop.

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Kilburn is one of London’s 34 major centers which run for a mile along Kilburn High Road – with the western part in Brent, the eastern part in Camden and a small southern section extending into Westminster. The council wants to “reduce the dominance of traffic” along Kilburn High Road and in turn make the area more “visually appealing, cleaner, safer and more welcoming”.

Some of the key proposals include: widening sidewalks to make it easier and safer for pedestrians; adding more banks; planting more trees; installation of new bike lanes; longer bus stops; and more pedestrian crossings.

In terms of road safety, police data revealed that despite a significant drop in traffic levels during the pandemic, the number of people injured did not drop significantly. The problem was therefore thought to be caused by the design of the town center rather than the number of vehicles using it.

Since 2021, councils have also monitored air pollution at 11 sites along Kilburn High Road, with the concentration of NO2 found to be “significantly higher” than the UK legal limit at five of the sites. The locations with the worst air quality in the city center are Belsize Road and the tube station, according to council documents.

New signal crossing, paving and cycle parking planned

In an attempt to combat these problems, the local authority is proposing a new signalised crossing opposite Brondesbury Station, as well as renewed tarmac and cycle parking. A two-way cycle track is planned between Burton Road and Messina Avenue – which would be closed to traffic with a ‘pocket park’ installed. Belsize Road would see new paving, trees, seating as well as wider pavements.

Councils are looking to promote and prioritize “sustainable travel options” such as walking and cycling to “improve the look, feel and environment of walking” for shoppers. By creating more space for walking, it will result in a reduction of on-street parking in the area.

Brent Council’s cabinet member for environment and enforcement, Cllr Krupa Sheth, said: “We have several plans to upgrade Kilburn High Road. Our consultation is open so we can hear your views on our proposals which include but are not limited to wider pavements, more greenery and more pedestrian crossings. This is your chance to have your say and help shape the future of Kilburn, so don’t miss this chance.”

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