Barbican residents oppose City running track: plans for "intrusive" podium level running route spark backlash

Plans for a dedicated running track through the City of London have triggered a backlash from residents at the Barbican opposed to the “unnecessary and outdated” scheme.

City councillor and retired engineer John Edwards, who is its main backer, has begun a public consultation on the proposed 4.2km route, more than a third of which would snake through the Grade II*-listed complex.

Mr Edwards said the SquareMileTrack, which would have a synthetic rubber surface for about half its length, would be “flush with the pavement”, good for the health of City workers and residents, and gentler on the knees of runners than York stone pavements.

However, the plan has alarmed some apartment owners who say the pedestrian paths of the Barbican Highwalk would be “overwhelmed with City workers and other visitors”.

Hilary Sunman, chairman of the Willoughby House residents’ group, said in an email to Mr Edwards: “Our main concern is that a running track at podium level would be intrusive for the residents. The Barbican residents cherish the calm of the highwalks. There are other concerns — for example, is this appropriate for a Grade II*-listed site?”

Another resident David Bradshaw said: “The majority, if not all, Barbican residents would be opposed to his desire to create a running track.”

But Mr Edwards said the podium — the raised pedestrian area of the Barbican — was underused and had been created as a public right of way rather than for the private use of residents. He also insisted that the track could be created at very low cost over a number of years when pavement were upgraded.