A dangerous junction could be redesigned - with new traffic restrictions - using a £19 million levelling up grant.
Hackney Council has said that it will be working “with the community” early this year before deciding on final changes to the Pembury Circus junction and Amhurst Road.
The authority says the junction needs to be redesigned after there were 66 crashes that resulted in injuries in the five years to 2022.
Since 2017, there have been more than 200 crashes between Mare Street and Pembury Circus, causing 25 serious incidents and two deaths.
Plans include restricting traffic in Amhurst Road and along Mare Street beyond Graham Road between 7am and 7pm to reduce the number of vehicles passing through the area.
Exemptions will apply for buses, emergency services, blue badge holders with e-companion badges, and deliveries to certain properties.
The council says it hopes to reclaim 23,000s m - or as much as “10 tennis courts worth of space” - from cars for pedestrians.
Proposed changes include creating new public space connecting Amhurst Road to the high street along Narrow Way, and the bars and shops at Bohemia Place.
The project will be funded by a £19 million grant secured from the Government’s Levelling Up fund, as well as by contributions from new developments in the area.
Hackney's deputy mayor Cllr Guy Nicholson said: “Hackney Central is changing, and this first project from £19 million of investment will not just be a focal point in creating a more accessible, liveable town centre, but a catalyst for a wider transformation that delivers on the priorities identified by the local community.
“That includes addressing community safety issues, working with the local businesses to create a thriving and inclusive local economy, supporting Hackney Central’s renowned cultural institutions and ensuring new developments in the town centre will provide new homes and workspaces in the years ahead.”
Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, Cllr Mete Coban, said: “Across the borough we’ve made huge steps in removing traffic, reducing pollution and greening our neighbourhoods, but Hackney Central remains blighted by poor air quality, high traffic and a lack of green space.
“This new green corridor sets a new benchmark for what our streets can look like, and delivers a greener, healthier borough that the people of Hackney deserve.”
Hackney Council has been asked for more information about how it will be consulting on the plans with local people.
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