The Turnpike Lane Improvement Plan aims to transform the area into a more welcoming, cleaner, and safer space.
https://turnpikelane.commonplace.is/
Purpose of the project
The Turnpike Lane Improvement Plan aims to transform the area into a more welcoming, cleaner, and safer space that attracts more visitors to experience its unique mix of retail and restaurants. This plan has been co-designed with local traders, residents, the Turnpike Lane Traders Association, and the Future Wood Green BID to ensure it meets the priorities of the community.
Turnpike Lane has also been identified as a key part of Shaping Wood Green, Haringey Council’s placemaking vision for the area’s future. Known for its multicultural spirit and home to around 100 independent businesses, Turnpike Lane has the potential to enhance its reputation as an international food and cultural destination. The improvements, including improved public spaces and lighting, and shopfronts, will help the area reach this goal and create a place for people to enjoy year-round.
The image shown above is subject to approval from Transport for London (TfL).
The design objectives for Turnpike Lane aim to:
- Create a focal point at Alexandra Road – for seasonal events and al fresco dining including improved public realm, street greenery and lighting columns
- Deliver more public realm to improve the walkability along the street including a continuous crossing on the northern side of Turnpike Lane
- Facilitate a better trading environment through shopfront improvements
- Generate a safer pedestrian experience with a pedestrian crossing in the middle of Turnpike Lane
- Increase natural greenery on the street, through planting of trees and rain gardens to assist with flood prevention
- Create of a unique wayfinding and identity for the road through signage, murals and threshold slabs
Next steps
Waldegrave Road junction
Public realm improvements
- January/February 2025 – starting construction and delivery of Burghley Road, Vernon Road and Waldegrave Road junctions
- Spring 2025 – starting construction and delivery of Alexandra Road junction (subject to TfL approval)
- Late spring 2025 – starting construction and delivery of pavement built-out and new signalised crossing (subject to TfL approval and successful funding application to TfL)
Shopfront improvements
- December 2024 to February 2025 – tender period
- February/March 2025 – appointment of main contractor
- Spring 2025 – starting construction and delivery of shopfront improvements
- Summer 2025 – estimated completion of shopfront improvements
Turnpike Lane has a fascinating history. It was originally called Tottenham Lane!
There used to be a Tollgate on the road and the ‘Turnpike Trust’ collected tolls for the upkeep of the road.
David Grieg opened the first self-service grocery store in the UK in 1923 at 111-113 Turnpike Lane. Customers could select their own products from shelves rather than requested them from behind a counter.
It has long been one of the best locations in North London to buy South Asian goods. The first South Asian business opened at 10 Turnpike Lane in 1972, and many South Asian businesses can still be found on the street.
It retains a multi-cultural feel with shops run by Greek Cypriot, Jamaican, and Turkish Cypriot communities amongst others.