An open call for design ideas has been launched by Islington Council to create an exciting “iconic gateway” for Old Street, as TfL announced that work to transform the whole area will begin late next year.

The 1960s roundabout will undergo a major transformation as part of work by the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with Islington and Hackney Councils.

Islington Council is looking for innovative design concepts for the public space that encompass public art and embrace the spirit of “Tech City” – the technological, economic and cultural powerhouse around Old Street. Design ideas are being sought from different disciplines including architecture, urban planning, transport, art, Smart Cities and technology.

Multi-disciplinary ideas, such as those that make the most of public art and technology, are strongly encouraged. The creation of the work, which will be funded by Islington, will add to the transformative changes already planned for the roundabout.

As part of the wider transformation, the outdated and intimidating roundabout will be removed to create a safer, more pleasant layout, including segregated cycle lanes and traffic signals, and the reintroduction of two-way traffic in line with the Mayor’s Healthy Streets Approach. The north-western “arm” of the roundabout will be permanently closed, creating an attractive new pedestrianised public space while new surface-level pedestrian crossings will be introduced.