Ambitious plans to turn the ‘back yard’ of the old London Hospital into Whitechapel’s prestigious ‘London Square ’ are going on public show.
The Grade II-listed former hospital in the Whitechapel Road dating back to the 1740s is being fitted out as the new Tower Hamlets town hall and civic centre opening in 2022.
But what to do with the hidden garden square at the back is part of the Whitechapel Masterplan for rejuvenating the run-down district after Crossrail opens later this year.
Ideas suggested include outdoor food markets, seasonal and festive events, al fresco dining space, landscaping and a children’s play area.
An exhibition to see proposed designs and take soundings is being held before contractors get going on the town hall scheme over the coming months.
“This is a public space in a busy and dense part of London,” the council’s corporate director Ann Sutcliffe said. “So it’s important we have input from people who will use it.”
The Whitechapel masterplan includes retail, commercial and community uses as well as the civic centre.
The consultations on what to do with the square are next Thursday at the Royal London Hospital’s Stepney Way entrance foyer from 10am to 2pm and the following Saturday, April 21, at the Whitechapel Idea Store 11am-4pm.
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