Entrances, or ‘gateways’ into Seven Dials have generally been treated successfully on the south side of the area. West Street, Mercer Street and Endell Street each have simple junctions with Shaftesbury Avenue.
The junction of Monmouth Street and Neal Street with Shaftesbury Avenue needed improvement. Rationalising footway surfaces and re-positioning essential street furniture, including the postbox and cycle racks would reduce clutter. The tree cluster needs management to ensure healthy growth.This work was successfully carried out in 2021/2, kindly funded by Shaftesbury Plc via a working group comprising Camden, the Trust and the CGCA.
Closing the exit to Shaftesbury Avenue greatly reduces through trafficEntrance to Earlham Street West, looking from Shaftesbury Avenue, following works in 2018.
The 1991 Study proposed closing Earlham Street West at Cambridge Circus; this was done in 2015. The Trust made every effort to influence the ensuing up-grading of the street so that it respects the historic 1690’s layout, accommodates the street market traders and ensures consistency at the Dials as set out in Upgrading the Setting of the Dials.
Work on this area was completed in 2020 as part of the wider West End Project funded by Shaftesbury Plc working with Camden, the Seven Dials Trust, and the Covent Garden Community Association.The entrance at Earlham Street (east) showing the Seven Dials bollards, and a newly planted tree.The entrance at Monmouth Street (south), with Shelton Street to the right. This area suffers from an accumulation of street clutter and is subject to proposals for renewal.The entrance at Monmouth Street (south) looking towards the Dials. Seven Dials street lamps and a road sign can be seen attached to the wall. The highways signage is in poor condition and clutters the public realm.The entrance at Earlham Street, from Shaftesbury Avenue, looking towards the Dials.
