Road closures in Seven Dials to boost trade

Shaftesbury will implement temporary timed road closures in Seven Dials from August 3, to support tenants and encourage visitors to return to the West End.

The landlord will use a series of timed closures to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists during daytime trading hours for F&B operators and retailers, from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week.

The closures will be controlled by droppable and plug-in barriers.

A one-way system will operate for pedestrians in Neal’s Yard with additional cycle parking throughout the estate.

The plans will be implemented in July following the re-opening of restaurants, bars and cafés.

Shaftesbury is also in discussion with Camden to allow F&B operators to use Seven Dials’ newly pedestrianised streets to provide additional external seating areas.

Charles Owen, portfolio executive at Shaftesbury, said: “The timed road closures in Seven Dials are a significant step in helping all our restaurants, bars, cafés and retailers rebuild as the lockdown eases and footfall begins to grow. The combination of open-air streets and, in effect, wider footways, will make Seven Dials an even safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors and residents.

“We have worked closely with Camden Council to devise the plans, which received very strong support from members and officers. While the Camden community, its businesses and residents are facing challenges, working together like this will help ensure everyone thrives once again.”

The news follows the announcement Shaftesbury is moving to monthly rents across its portfolio, while many of Seven Dials’ shops, restaurants, cafes and bars have begun reopening their doors.