High Street 2012 is a programme of public realm improvements along the A11/A118 from Aldgate to Stratford. The project aims to upgrade the street from Whitechapel Road to Stratford High Street, and to provide a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games for local communities.

The High Street 2012 area is culturally and economically very diverse. It contains communities which are economically and socially marginalised, with some of the lowest employment levels and highest levels of ill health in the UK.

The project aims to create a thriving high street by re-enforcing the distinctive character of the places along the route, by creating places for people to stop, slow down and socialise and by balancing the needs of pedestrians and other road users. It will create a connected street by enhancing natural flows across and along the street, removing barriers to make it easier for everyone to move around and find their way. A healthier street will be created by increasing opportunities for walking, cycling, recreation and leisure. Social projects and events will bring the street to life before and during the Olympics and ensure local communities benefit from the Games, through boosting regeneration, community pride and the visitor economy.

Design for London has worked with partners to appoint a design team through open competition and continues to provide design advice as the project develops. A team led by Fluid Architects was selected to develop a vision study, undertake intensive stakeholder and community engagement, develop plans for creating a common character along the street, and prepare design frameworks and briefs for individual projects. This was completed in March 2009.

Some of the projects identified in the vision study are now being developed for delivery pre 2012. These include areas around Aldgate, Whitechapel, and Mile. Stratford High Street public realm improvements project is already on site and will be completed by March 2011.

Partners: London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Newham, English Heritage, Transport for London and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation