Public Realm

PUBLIC REALM

In 2023 we published our Era of Change (hyperlink) Public Realm Strategy to maximise the opportunities offered by the public spaces across the area and, given the significant development pipeline, to set the vision for individual developments to fit their own improvements into to ensure we create a seamless area with connected public spaces and a coherent landscape. Our Strategy also sets out priorities for individual projects for the BID to take forward, either directly or in partnership for which we have committed over £1m.

PUBLIC SEATING

In 2023, we installed a range of seating across the area to provide more spaces for people to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, talk to their friends, eat lunch and so on, as a direct response to to the Public Realm strategy that identified a shortage of outdoor seating in the area.

REIMAGINING OUR COURTS
AND LANES

The Public Realm Strategy identified the Courts and Lanes that connect Fleet Street to Gough Square and New Street Square were underused because they lacked signage and legibility and were perceived as feeing unsafe at night. Working with the City of London Corporation, who have agreed to match fund improvements to these spaces, we have commissioned design options for each of the lanes running north of Fleet Street. In 2025 we engaged local businesses and residents to gather their thoughts on our proposals before drawing up detailed designs for implementation during 2026.

LIGHTING THE VIADUCT

The Public Realm Strategy identified improved lighting of the Viaduct as a priority project due to its role as a location for evening activity, its place as a gateway, and as a means of bringing the area’s rich history to life in commemorating the River Fleet. Not only will new feature lighting celebrate the historic importance of both bridges, but on a practical level better lighting will also improve the look and feel of the area for people walking and cycling under the bridges and make the area feel safer. We commissioned the global engineering firm WSP to come up with design ideas, balancing the need for better lighting with the need to respect the historic importance of the viaduct. Following a successful test event in autumn 2025, we hope to have the new lighting scheme installed for winter 2026/7

ENHANCING FLEET STREET

Fleet Street is known throughout the world as the home of journalism and we are working with the City of London Corporation to completely transform the street to reflect its historic status, commemorate its heritage and ensure its role as the commercial centre of our area. Working in partnership with the City of London Corporation we are working up designs for wider pavements, more seating and greening so the street matches the quality of the new developments on the street and in the wider area.

You may be interested in

events
Tuesday 29th September, 12.30pm - 1.45pm

DOCTOR JOHNSON’S LECTURE SERIES SEPTEMBER

Join us for an insightful talk on the life of Francis Barber, friend, servant, and heir of Samuel Johnson.
news
Tuesdays at 5pm, starting the 8th of September

THE FLEET STREET QUARTER COMMUNITY CHOIR RETURNS

The Fleet Street Quarter Community Choir returns for 2026! Sign up now to take part.
news
14th August 2026

VIEW THE ‘WORDS WORDS WORDS’ STOP MOTION MADE AT THE FESTIVAL OF WORDS

View the 'Words, Words, Words' stop motion film created by attendees of this years Festival of Words!
events
Summer 2026

SUMMER IN THE CITY: FLEET STREET QUARTER

This summer is jam-packed with fun across the Quarter, so we've put together a handy guide to the many activities during the warmer months in the Fleet Street Quarter.
events
Tuesday 25th August, 12.30-1.45pm | Dr Johnson's House

DR JOHNSON’S LECTURE SERIES AUGUST 2026

Join us for an insightful talk on the essential features of 18th-century costume.
events
Tuesday 21st July @ 150 Fleet Street, Fleet Street Quarter Pop-Up Bookshop

COFFEE WITH A COP (JULY 2026)

Continuing our partnership with the City of London Police, Fleet Street Quarter is pleased to host 'Coffee with a Cop' on the Tuesday 21st July at 150 Fleet Street, 12pm - 2pm.
events
Tuesday 28th July, 12:30 - 1:45pm | Dr Johnson's House

DR JOHNSON’S LECTURE SERIES JULY 2026

Join us for a fascinating talk on 18th Century Medicine with Sheelagh James.
news
18th June 2026

SAFETY IN THE SQUARE MILE DURING THE WORLD CUP

The World Cup is a time of celebration, but everyone deserves to be safe - learn how you can do your bit.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH LATEST NEWS AND EXCLUSIVE LOCAL EVENTS