Scheme information

Highways improvements to Shepherd Market

Scheme description

The Public Realm Improvement scheme aims to bring significant pedestrian and community benefits to the Market square and surrounding streets, including Shepherd Street, White Horse Street, Carrington Street, and the connecting junctions with Half Moon Street, Curzon Street, and Piccadilly. 

The scheme takes a pedestrian-centric approach, with Shepherd Market Square becoming a new pedestrian-only area. 

Summary of the improvements

The scheme will deliver the following improvements:

• Create a new pedestrianised and paved Shepherd Market square for the community by relocating pay-by-phone parking spaces, and limiting vehicle access. 
• Widen and re-pave footways with high-quality natural stone. 
• Improved step-free crossings to increase pedestrian comfort. 
• Update existing lighting with wall-mounted streetlights in some locations. 
• Plant new trees and introduce seating in Curzon Street and the square. 
• One-way eastbound traffic flow on Shepherd Street between Trebeck Street and White Horse Street. This aims to discourage vehicles from waiting on Shepherd Street, as it currently obstructs pedestrian movement and access, impacting the quality of the public realm. 
• Work with landowners and stakeholders to develop and encourage improved waste management to prevent rubbish and waste piling including a review of collection routines, locations and timings.  

Construction began on 15th July 2024 on Shepherd Street with the three initial phases of work completing by December 2024. 

As of April 2026, other areas completed include Shepherd Market and most of White Horse Street with works starting on Piccadilly on 20th April.  Dates of remaining phases in White Horse Street, Piccadilly and Half Moon Street can be found on the attached phasing plan.

• Pedestrian access to all properties will be maintained. Parking suspensions and road closures in specific sections will be necessary. 
• A Public Liaison Officer is on-site during construction to help facilitate local access for businesses and residents. 
• The City Council’s highways contractor FM Conway will carry out the works. Standard working hours are from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturday.
• Areas for servicing and loading will be designated as close as practicable near the areas of road closures.