Clerkenwell Green

Background

Clerkenwell Green is one of London's oldest public spaces, dating back to the 12th century, and is surrounded by some of Islington's most attractive and valuable historic buildings. It also has a rich social and political history.

Repair and improvement works to Clerkenwell Close

Islington Council plans to carry out repair and improvement works to the southern section of Clerkenwell Close between January and March 2026.

These works will upgrade the pavement and carriageway road on the southern section of Clerkenwell Close between The Three Kings pub to where the road meets Clerkenwell Green at The Crown Tavern.

These repair and improvement works will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle through Clerkenwell Close. The works will include the following: 

• Taking up, cleaning and relaying the historic granite setts in the road.  
• Replacement of kerbs and pavements. 
• Creating a new accessible crossing point between The Crown Tavern and western side of the Green. 

Phased construction timeline

Construction works will begin w/c 12 th January 2026, and are planned to complete by the end of March 2026. Construction will be delivered in three phases. Details are provided below.

It is possible that these dates may change slightly. You can contact us at clerkenwellgreen@islington.gov.uk if you have any queries.

Phase 1: Two weeks beginning 12 January 2026.

The Clerkenwell Green / Clerkenwell Close junction will be closed to all traffic.

Vehicles will not be able to travel through Clerkenwell Close between The Three Kings pub and The Crown Tavern, or from Clerkenwell Green to Aylesbury Street.

The loading bay on Clerkenwell Close will not be accessible throughout the construction period. The remaining three loading bays in and around the Green will remain unchanged and in operation.

Phase 2: Four to five weeks

The Clerkenwell Green / Clerkenwell Close junction will be partially reopened.

Vehicles will not be able to travel through Clerkenwell Close between The Three Kings pub and The Crown Tavern. 

The LTN camera-enforced traffic filter that allows access to Sekforde Street from the Green for those with exemptions will not be in use during this phase. This means that vehicles will be able to travel through Clerkenwell Green to Sekforde Street.

The loading bay on Clerkenwell Close will not be accessible throughout the construction period. The remaining three loading bays in and around the Green will remain unchanged and in operation.

Phase 3: Four to five weeks

The Clerkenwell Green / Clerkenwell Close junction will be partially reopened. 

Vehicles will not be able to travel through Clerkenwell Close between 8 Clerkenwell Close and The Crown Tavern.

The camera-enforced traffic filter that allows access to Sekforde Street from the Green for those with exemptions will not be in use during this phase. This means that vehicles will be able to travel through Clerkenwell Green to Sekforde Street.

The loading bay on Clerkenwell Close will not be accessible throughout the construction period. The remaining three loading bays in and around the Green will remain unchanged and in operation.

What does this mean for pedestrian access, vehicle access and refuse collection?

Throughout the construction period, it is expected that there may be some disruption such as some noise, temporary changes to how vehicles can move around the area and temporary changes footpaths and roads. The council’s contractor, Marlborough Highways, will work to ensure that all residents can access their homes and that customers and delivery visits can access local businesses. Council refuse and recycling collections will remain as normal throughout the construction period. 

We will take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and general disruption.

Historic improvements to Clerkenwell Green

In autumn 2017, a public consultation on proposals to improve Clerkenwell Green by creating a more pleasant and greener local environment received support from 82 per cent of 433 respondents. You can find the report from this consultation in the ‘useful documents’ section of this page.

Between February 2023 and summer 2024, we made significant changes to Clerkenwell Green to create a greener and more pleasant local environment. These improvements:

• Created an improved, greener public space that can be enjoyed by the community, those who work here and visitors to the area.
• Reduced the number of cars in the area so that is safer and more convenient for those who walk, wheel or cycle.
• Improved the setting of the area’s historic buildings and other important local landmarks.

Restricted Parking Zone

As part of a Traffic Management Order made in February 2023, Clerkenwell Green was designated a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ). This will make sure that the areas is as safe and comfortable as it can be for those walking, wheeling and cycling.

The RPZ means vehicles can't stop or wait and can only load within the four designated loading bays. You can find these at: 

• Aylesbury Street, outside 1 Clerkenwell Green
• outside 30 to 32 Clerkenwell Green
• outside 54 and 55 Clerkenwell Close
• Clerkenwell Road, across the eastern part of the junction with Clerkenwell Green. 

The RPZ has no road markings. This should make the Green feel calmer with fewer cars around. You can see an example of the signs showing where the RPZ begins below.