A new public space for residents, visitors and shoppers in Enfield Town will officially open this week marking the first phase of the regeneration of the town centre.
A launch event will be held on Saturday 25 January at 11am in Saddlers Square, to introduce part one of the ‘Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project’, delivered by Enfield Council.
Saddlers Square is situated at the junction of Church Street and Little Park Gardens in Enfield Town Centre and is one of many improvements that has been made to the area in recent months.
The project is a significant investment in the borough’s major town centre by the Council, with a focus on enhancing the public realm and places for people to enjoy.
Through an extensive public engagement programme, the project has also delivered investment in making Enfield Town more welcoming and safer for people walking, and more accessible for people to travel to the town centre through various modes such as by bus, walking and cycling.
Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Placemaking at Enfield Council, Cllr Sabri Ozaydin, said: “I am delighted the first phase of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project has now been completed.
“The borough’s residents have been integral to the development of the project, as their views and vision to help improve the town centre has helped to shape the design. I would like to invite all residents and their friends and family to join me at the official opening of Saddlers Square, for what will be a fantastic celebration.
“I hope these transformational changes will encourage more people to visit Enfield Town actively and to explore the beautiful decorations that celebrate our heritage and community.”
The Council commissioned artist James Tunnard to create new artworks for Saddlers Square, as part of a wider arts trail that will connect different sites throughout Enfield Town.
James designed ‘Riverpath’ and a series of Stepping Posts, created in stone and inspired by Saddlers Square’s proximity to nature and water, and Enfield Town’s strong literary connections.
James worked closely with Year 3 pupils from George Spicer School in Southbury Road and the Enfield Poets, who created fish motifs and original poetry, which have been incorporated into the artworks, alongside the poetry of John Keats.
Residents will also see other changes in the town including how traffic operates between Church Street, Cecil Road and Little Park Gardens, new crossing points and pathways.
Funding for the delivery of Phase 1 of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project has been made through a combination of Transport for London (TfL) funding and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.
Discussions are ongoing with the Council and TfL and further funding is anticipated this year to enable progression of a second major phase.
Click here for further information on the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project.