THE future of the old Bishopsgate goods terminal demolished to make way for the East London Line extension (pictured) could soon be decided by the public. Town Hall bosses want people’s opinions about what to do with the massive hole the size to nine football pitches at Shoreditch

By Mike Brooke

THE future of the old Bishopsgate goods terminal demolished to make way for the East London Line extension (pictured) could soon be decided by the public.

Town Hall bosses want people’s opinions about what to do with the massive hole the size to nine football pitches at Shoreditch.

The old terminal building opened in 1919 that once dominated the East End skyline just north of Liverpool Street station remained derelict since it was destroyed by fire in 1964. It was finally pulled down three years ago to make way for the rail extension from Whitechapel.

A public consultation begins on Monday (February 23) and runs until April 6 for residents and businesses to put their ideas forward to Tower Hamlets council.

The huge site has planning guidelines which include offices, shops, restaurants, a health centre, 2,000 new homes and a park in the sky’ on the historic Braithwaite viaduct.

“Lots of residents backed the campaign to save the historic Braithwaite viaduct,” said Tower Hamlets cabinet member Marc Francis. “So I hope people will get involved in shaping these plans.”

The listed brick viaduct is the only remaining piece of the old Bishopsgate terminal originally carrying the Eastern Counties Railway into London when it opened in 1861.