The City of London Corporation has unveiled new images showcasing an ongoing reinvention of the Square Mile's streets and alleyways.

A network of new pedestrian routes, secured through recent planning permissions, will enhance the walking and wheeling experience throughout the area as part of the City's wider 'Destination City' initiative.

The Square Mile is being transformed into a pedestrian-priority city that aims to surprise and delight visitors as a seven-day destination while respecting its historical character.

These adaptations are crucial for accommodating the area's growing daily workforce of 670,000 people, as well as existing residents and increasing tourism.

In the past year, three major adjoining schemes have received planning permission at 55 Old Broad Street, 99 Bishopsgate and 55 Bishopsgate.

These will create new pedestrian routes between the City Cluster of tall buildings, the Crossrail corridor and Liverpool Street Station.

The new routes will help reduce pedestrian congestion on Bishopsgate and Old Broad Street, creating high-quality public spaces while opening up views of heritage landmarks such as St Ethelburga's Church and St Helen's Place.

City of London Planners have been working on reimagining the City's streets and alleyways for several years, collaborating with local stakeholders, developers and investors.

These routes are negotiated during the planning application process, as delivering new inclusive open spaces is a key strategic priority in the City's Local Plan, known as City Plan 2040.

According to the corporation, the delivered and emerging routes would collectively exceed the width of the City in a walk from Fleet Street to Aldgate.

Historically, the medieval City's network of alleys has gradually been replaced by larger commercial buildings since the late nineteenth century.

Now, Planning Officers are seeking to reintroduce shortcuts between busy thoroughfares to ease congestion, improve connections to transport hubs, restore historical alleys to public use, and create new views of City landmarks.

Deborah Saunt, City Property Association (CPA) and co-founder of urban, landscape and architectural practice DSDHA, said: "The joy of exploring the City's myriad streets and alleyways is discovering the new and unexpected, with architectural treasures, pocket parks and hidden gems at virtually every turn.

“Opening up vibrant new cut-throughs further enhances the area's social capacity too, as a great place to meet people, exchange ideas, make discoveries and to explore – which is both good for business and culture."