Seven Dials

Seven Dials

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Seven dials is the name for a road junction and the immediate neighborhood surrounding it in the West End of London near Covent Garden. Here, seven streets converge at a roundabout, at the center of which is a pillar with six sundials. There are six dials because the original plan, designed by Thomas Neale, only included the convergence of six streets.

The neighborhood, which has enjoyed a resurgence in the last few decades, consists of narrow streets and alleyways that cater to pedestrians. Its unique character showcases the value of historic buildings to the livable streets movement.

Layout

Seven Dials is located in the northwest corner of Covent Garden Market in London’s Camden borough. Today, the seven streets converging at the dials pillar are: Monmouth Street (north and south), Earlham Street (east and west), Mercer Street (northwest and southeast) and Shorts Gardens. Neal’s Yard, a storybook alleyway, also leads to the junction. Neal Street is considered part of the neighborhood though it does not radiate off of the dials.

History

Seven Dials was planned as a dense city neighborhood in 1690 by developer Thomas Neale, who envisioned a star-shaped convergence of six streets to maximize housing construction and rentals. A pillar monument with six sundials was placed at the center. By the 18^th century, it was a decrepit slum and one of the most violent neighborhoods in London. The sundial monument was removed in 1773 to discourage crime and loitering [1].

Its resurgence follows that of Covent Garden, a piazza that was once the central food market in London, filled with fruit and vegetable vendors. By the 1970’s, it had become overrun by motor vehicle traffic and threatened with complete demolition, as the city looked to replace the neighborhood with high-rise office buildings. However, in 1973, Londoners demanded that most of the area’s historic buildings be preserved, thwarting redevelopment plans [2]. After losing its iconic food market in 1974, Covent Garden faced a brief period of emptiness and dereliction. It reopened in 1980 as an indoor retail center (selling mainly tourist items) and outdoor street performance area – now a prime tourist destination.

In 1974, Seven Dials was declared an “Outstanding Conservation Area” and slated for a major revitalization. Between 1977 and 1984, the borough of Camden succeeded in filling every historic residential property with housing and businesses [3]. The rebirth of Seven Dials had begun. A new sundial pillar was constructed and unveiled in 1989 [4].

Seven Dials Renaissance Project

A more recent renovation of Seven Dials is underway as part of the Clear Zones initiative [5], which aims to make incremental, small-scale steps toward livable streets in London. It addresses local traffic congestion, alternative transportation, air quality, and neighborhood character. A product of Mayor Ken Livingstone’s overall plan for improved citywide transportation [6], the initiative started in London’s Camden borough, which includes Covent Garden and Seven Dials.

Improvements include the resurfacing of Monmouth Street with granite “cobblestones” [7]. It is hoped that this new textured surface will reduce motor vehicle speed and encourage more informal street crossings by pedestrians [7]. In addition, historic lanterns will line neighborhood streets and the sundial pillar will receive a new lighting scheme.

Shared Space

Seven Dials is considered an example of a shared space street scheme. A number of factors combine to encourage pedestrians to cross streets informally, granting drivers and pedestrians equal status. Among them are narrow streets, the absence of parking, and the intimacy of the surrounding buildings.. The street wall is often continuous (like that on Neal Street, pictured) and provides a safe, enclosed walkway.

Steps have been taken to enhance the shared space effect. For example, some roads have been given a cobblestone treatment to create a pedestrian feel, and curbs have been lowered to encourage street crossing [8]. Neal Street is pedestrian-only, which helps to direct spillover foot traffic to nearby streets. The sundial monument itself serves as a sitting area, so that the circle is not simply a traffic roundabout. Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists therefore share space within the junction.

The Times of London reports that British planners are embracing the concept of shared space as an effective safety device for pedestrians. On selected streets, formal road markings and traffic signals are removed and all road users take responsibility for their own safety. “The idea is to create space where there is mild anxiety among everyone so they all behave cautiously… where it just doesn’t feel right to drive faster than 20mph” [8]. Slower speeds make driving less convenient, further reducing the number of cars on the road.

Livable Streets, Iconic Neighborhood

Seven Dials is a fairy tale neighborhood, with surprises at every turn. It offers a mix of housing, shopping and entertainment. Alleyways lead to hidden courtyards, flower vendors and bookstores. Despite the area’s long history, the feel is hip and modern. Neal’s Yard, popular with university students, houses vegetarian cafes, ethnic eateries and new age shops. The famous Neal’s Yard Dairy cheese shop is also found here. Neal Street is known for shoe shops and clothing boutiques. According to the BBC, “Seven Dials is now home to around 200 businesses, two-thirds of which are independently owned, including theatres, offices, restaurants, bars and a plethora of shops.”[9]

This assortment of activities keeps the area filled with street users. Heavy foot traffic tends to repel cars, so that pedestrians generally feel secure throughout the neighborhood.