It is the year 2022. Old Street’s air is no longer toxic! Met by a sigh of relief from silicon roundabout’s communities, London’s ultra low emission zone was extended to the North Circular and more people than ever choose to cycle. But perhaps the most exciting change is the transformation of the Old Street roundabout. Once a space to be avoided and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, it has now been reborn as a vibrant arena for public life, a place to gather, socialise, and enjoy the new, healthier Old Street.

Thanks to the new Old Street station roof that doubles up as raked seating with intermittent planting, you can now enjoy dramatic views of the new Old Street Arena – a striking new venue for sports and cultural events at the heart of what used to be the roundabout. This transformable space, cleverly created below the iconic advertising arch of Old Street, is a hub of diverse activities. From the café, you can watch the hustle and bustle of Old Street or turn towards the central platform to see a Feldenkrais class, basketball match, photo shoot, or art performance in action. The Old Street arena provides ample space where diverse activities can unfold, bringing together local communities, the working crowd, and visitors of Shoreditch. Detailed information about the program can be found via the Old Street app, and for those without digital access, external monitors display the activities and events, along with information about bike parking availability, air pollution levels, and local information such as the outcomes of the latest ‘Shoreditch Town Hall’ against ‘Charles Square and Pitfield TA’ netball match.

A softer, more colourful and accommodating public realm has emerged at Old Street station thanks to the many new trees and lush pockets of wilderness introduced.

The intense urban environment at Old Street has now become a popular hangout for young and old, a welcome breathing space en route to the station that emphasises natural qualities and seasonal change. The trees and plants are key ingredients of the scheme to improve the air, living quality and travel experience in this central London location. Large and small planting areas were constructed to absorb and store the runoff water from the surrounding pavements and to support local biodiversity. New trees that complement the existing majestic plane trees along Old Street and the surrounding green have been adopted by local businesses, shop owners and resident groups. This is part of a management strategy that involves local communities hands-on and long-term.