Stratford town centre improvements
We are working with Transport for London to transform Stratford town centre. This will include introducing two-way traffic around the Stratford Centre, improving bus services, and providing better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
On this page you can find out about our proposed improvements, and how you can get involved.
What is happening
We have created a short video that takes you around Stratford town centre. It shows you where we are proposing to make changes, and what the changes will look like.
Changes to the one-way traffic system will allow for a better flow of traffic and reduce accidents in the area. It will also create a safer and more attractive town centre for everyone to enjoy.
Our plans aim to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre, enjoy everything it has to offer, and support local businesses and cultural venues..
As part of the plans, we want to:
- introduce a two-way traffic system and road calming measures to reduce speeds
- create separate cycle tracks to encourage more people to cycle through Stratford
- widen the pedestrian crossing at Meridian Square and move other crossings to locations where pedestrians prefer to cross
- improve the appearance of streets by resurfacing pavements, removing old street furniture and introducing new landscaping
- enhance the public area near Theatre Square and St John’s Church.
Artist's impressions of what the changes will look like
Artist's impression of proposed improvements on the Broadway
Artist's impression of proposed improvements on Great Eastern Road, near the main entrance to the Stratford Centre
Artist's impression of proposed improvements to The Grove
Artist's impression of proposed improvements to Theatre Square
Artist's impression of proposed improvements to West Ham Lane
When the works will take place
In late August we will be removing traffic signals from the ground and placing these in barrels temporarily. This is to prepare the site for the first phase of construction works starting in mid-September. For more information on the location and timescales of works.Stratford Consultation timescale (PDF)
We aim to complete the improvements by spring 2019.
In collaboration with Discover Children’s Story Centre and Carpenters Primary School, we created a video about the construction works and improvements to the town centre.
Watch the children’s first video of Stratford town centre
Watch the children's second video of Stratford town centre
If the changes are approved we will start construction in autumn 2017 after we have consulted with the community and key stakeholders.
Due to the scale of the project, construction will take place in phases. During construction we will work closely with local businesses and residents to keep disruption as low as possible.
We aim to complete the improvements by spring 2019.
Involving the community and key stakeholders
Historic photo of Broadway Lane c1898. Image provided by Newham Archives and Local Studies Library.
Involving the community and key stakeholders
Since autumn 2015 we have been working closely with key stakeholders, including local businesses and community groups, to review our design options.
Our public consultation was open from 17 October until 28 November 2016. We would like to thank everyone who attended our events and provided feedback on our proposals.
We received a total of 344 questionnaires, and 11 e-mail and written responses. The feedback received reflects that there is strong support, with 93% of those who completed the questionnaire agreeing with the overall proposals. Many of you also made suggestions which we will consider while developing our detailed design proposals.
For more information on the public consultation:
Stratford Town Centre Improvements Consultation ReportRecord of CommentsStratford Town Centre Improvements Consultation Leaflet
As part of the introduction of two-way traffic movement in Stratford town centre, Transport for London (TfL) has reviewed all bus routes that serve the town centre. TfL held a separate consultation in summer 2017 on changes to bus routes. For more information visit the TfL website.
Our public consultation was open from 17 October until 28 November 2016. We would like to thank everyone who attended our events and provided feedback on our proposals.
We received a total of 344 questionnaires, and 11 e-mail and written responses. The feedback received reflects that there is strong support, with 93% of those who completed the questionnaire agreeing with the overall proposals. Many of you also made suggestions which we will consider while developing our detailed design proposals.
For more information on the public consultation:
Stratford Town Centre Improvements Consultation ReportRecord of CommentsStratford Town Centre Improvements Consultation Leaflet
Watch the children’s first video of Stratford town centre
Watch the children's second video of Stratford town centre
Find out more about the project
Email us at StratfordGyratory@newham.gov.uk if you would like to receive our regular e-bulletins on the project and find out about our public events.
History of the one-way traffic system
The Stratford one-way traffic system was originally introduced in 1967 (along with the Bow flyover) to carry traffic from London to and from Essex (old A12).
However with the completion of the 'East Cross Route' from Hackney to Blackwall (new A12) in 1973 it became partially obsolete. And it is now fully obsolete since the completion of the Woodford Bypass in 1992 which linked the A12 in Hackney to the M11.
With it no longer needed for its intended traffic function, there is now an opportunity to look at what is needed in the town centre.
Stratford Broadway circa 1898
Historic photo of Broadway Lane c1898. Image provided by Newham Archives and Local Studies Library. News and updates
At the end of April we started works to relocate the rank from Meridian Square to Station Street. These works will involve creating a new taxi rank outside Stratford Station that can accommodate ten taxi spaces and a feeder rank for four taxis on Station Street. This will make taxis more visible as they will be located directly outside the station and more accessible, particularly for disabled users.
We will also provide an informal raised crossing from Station Street to the Bus Station, upgrade the existing drainage system and provide a new bus stop, bus shelter and taxi rank shelter.
The works are taking place intermittently and we aim to complete these by the end of September 2017.