Views sought on plans to ‘transform’ Ilford

Plans to “transform” a town centre are set to go ahead as early as next year.

Redbridge Council is hoping to make Ilford more “pedestrian friendly” after it received almost £5million from Transport for London’s (TfL) Crossrail complimentary measures fund for street improvements around the train station.

Proposals include introducing wider walkways and removing guard rails at crossing points, improving surfacing of roads and pavements, and improving pedestrian flow by removing footway obstructions and reducing congestion caused by bus stop queues.

Other plans include introducing “cutting edge” lighting including footway lighting to enhance key areas as well as planting more trees.

The council says that a further £2m from developers will go towards the improvements, which come in light of Crossrail’s arrival in 2019.

The money will also go towards revamping the areas around Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath stations.

Cllr Baldesh Nijjar, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Our plans will help to transform and revitalise Ilford Town Centre and make the shopping and leisure areas more vibrant.

“Alongside the arrival of Crossrail, the proposed improvements will support stronger businesses and strengthen the local economy.”

The council, which hopes the improvements will take place between 2016 and 2019, is calling on residents to have their say on the plans in a consultation.

“We’re committed to working with local people and I encourage all local residents as well as people who work or run businesses in Ilford to give us their views on our proposals to improve the areas in and around Ilford Station,” said Cllr Nijjar.

Visit redbridge.gov.uk and search for Ilford Town Centre improvement to take part.

The consultation will close at the end of October 2015.