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 - May 2026 update

Islington Council carried out repair and improvement works to the southern section of Clerkenwell Close between January and March 2026. Due to a material supply issue we had to stop works without completing the improvements to the western pavement, but we can now return to site to finish the improvements.
Works will recommence on 3 June 2026 and take around three and a half weeks, finishing by 30 June 2026.
Clerkenwell Close will be closed to motor traffic between 8 Clerkenwell Close and The Crown Tavern on Clerkenwell Green (the southern section of Clerkenwell Close), for this period, though we will make every effort to reopen the road and open access through Clerkenwell Close as soon as safely possible. The eastern pavement that was improved in the first phase of the works will remain open. 

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 the works. This means that vehicles will be able to travel through Clerkenwell Green to Sekforde Street via the filter.

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.

The plan below shows the location of the works and the closures that will be in place:

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

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.