Policy information sourced from the Bunhill and Clerkenwell area action plan

BC5 Farringdon

The Council’s vision for the Farringdon Station area is for a world class transport interchange within a high quality environment that complements and enhances the wider area’s history and heritage.

The Council will ensure that new development and investment in Farringdon reflects its role as a major transport interchange whilst retaining those elements of its character that make it special and distinctive. All development proposals should contribute to an enhanced public realm that prioritises pedestrian circulation and provides good access between the station and other sustainable transport modes. Proposals must promote a “single station environment” across Cowcross Street through the provision of high quality, permeable station frontages, and a unified public realm between National Rail and Underground stations.

On sites adjacent to and above Farringdon station, development proposals must be predominantly offices and associated business uses.

In the Farringdon Local Shopping Area, covering Cowcross Street (which connects Farringdon Station to Smithfield Market), development of retail, food, drink, and entertainment uses and other town centre uses is supported at ground floor level and below. Supporting retail and leisure uses is encouraged at street level fronting onto Farringdon Road, Charterhouse Street, and Turnmill Street, to create vibrancy and interest.

The Farringdon area features several cultural and night-time economy uses, and the area is within the Clerkenwell/Farringdon Cultural Quarter. Development of cultural and night-time economy uses is supported, where adverse amenity impacts can be mitigated/prevented. The specific types of cultural uses must complement the Cultural Quarter.

Measures to facilitate ease of movement and modal interchange, including secure cycle parking, cycle hire docking stations, cycle lanes along Charterhouse Street, taxi ranks, improved bus provision, pedestrian signage, and restrictions on delivery and servicing during daytime hours. Servicing must be located to remove conflicts and maximise efficiency of space and use. Shared service bays, basements and access/egress with neighbouring buildings must achieve the most efficient use of space and must not be located in a prominent location which affects promotion of sustainable travel modes.

An improved public realm which promotes pedestrian circulation and which results in a series of integrated, linked and high quality public spaces, including neighbouring spaces such as Clerkenwell Green.

The railway cuttings should be retained as predominantly open spaces. Enhancements to the cuttings that conserve and enhance their heritage value, and provide improved pedestrian access across the space between Turnmill Street and Farringdon Road, are encouraged. The disused underground railway line between Farringdon and Barbican will be safeguarded to allow for its future reuse for transport purposes.

For more information please see the Bunhill and Clerkenwell area action plan