George Street

George Street, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, was once referred to as the (mini) ‘Bond Street’ of St Albans. Medieval and post medieval timber framed and brick buildings abound and it still demonstrates the original narrow burgage plots of the medieval street plan along with a retained inn carriage arch.

Time has changed things somewhat but the street still holds special appeal and interest. Yet even before Covid-19, when the street was open to traffic, footfall was sometimes poor.

The 2020-2021 pandemic brought emergency powers that closed George Street to traffic in order to enable effective social distancing. Pedestrianisation had a positive impact on footfall. Free from having to dodge and put up with passing traffic and share narrow pavements, people appreciated the street more. They noticed the character buildings and enjoyed the various shops and hospitality venues and it became more of ‘must visit’ destination to browse, shop and spend leisure time.

It was proposed that the temporary George Street closures be made permanent. The Civic Society circulated details and during the consultation period helped look at the details and at the tweaks and modifications needed to produce the best scheme.
The outcome was a widely supported practical and workable system. On Mondays to Fridays George Street is now one-way in the direction of High Street/Verulam Road to Romeland Hill but with cycle provision to provide a contraflow route up George Street. At weekends – between 11am on Saturdays and 7am on Mondays it is closed.

A main pedestrian route to Romeland, Fishpool Street, Abbey Mill Lane and the Abbey is now safer and closer to its roots.

A look-back at the George Street consultation 

The Civic Society circulated the George Street Enhancement proposals for consultation on 20th October 2020. By close of consultation on 31st December 2020 there were 37 responses, 28 in favour, some with ideas, 1 against and 8 expressing concerns.

• Read the full report here
• See the HCC consultation here

There was support for an enhanced, pedestrianised George Street. However, as some respondents pointed out, further consideration is needed of how the retail and hospitality facilities function, which includes the so-called night time economy. These in themselves are important subjects. Several respondents, not unsurprisingly, commented on traffic flows. As the circular highlighted: ‘there are various options in respect of traffic flow, particularly for large vehicles using this part of the historic Conservation Area. Such options could affect nearby narrow streets, Romeland and the status of High Street.’ Perhaps inevitably, reference was made about the movement of St Albans School coaches in and out of the area and the cause of long standing complaint. There is reference to this in using the top end of a pedestrianised George Street in the Verulam Road/High Street area to set down/pick up. Whilst this deviates from the main focus on George Street it does present a possible solution to the problem existing for many years of coaches invading this part of the Conservation Area in the Cathedral Quarter. Another subject that has concerned the Society.