Campaigners battling to save a historic part of Spitalfields from developers have drawn up ambitious rival proposals for the site – inspired by the "baroque plan of Rome".
The design boasts aerial walkways, spectacular views of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Christ Church and an arcade for independent shops sheltered by classical colonnades.
Under the plans the site will be pedestrianised but retain something of the “network” of narrow streets that Spitalfields is famous for.
The 18th century Shepherd’s Place Arch, which was bombed in the Blitz, will be reinstated as a grand entrance.
TV presenter and art historian Dan Cruickshank is one of the key figures spearheading the new scheme by the Spitalfields Community Group, details of which are unveiled for the first time today.
It is aimed at halting the planned demolition of a 9,000-square metre area of Spitalfields by developer Exemplar.
Although Tower Hamlets planners rejected their initial proposals last month, Exemplar — contracted by site freeholders the City of London Corporation — is to try again.
