A treasure trove of historic images showing the world-famous Baker Street through the years has been released as major works get under way.
They feature early drawings of the Tube station, buildings damaged by Second World War bombs, and stretch all the up to the 1950s.
They were released by Westminster City Council to coincide with work which began in the Marylebone area on Monday (July 24).
The project is focused on turning the roads of Baker Street and Gloucester Place, currently a one-way gyratory, into two-way flow.
The Baker Street Two Way project aims to deliver an improved experience for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the dominance of traffic, adding greenery and ensuring the streets are safer and easier to access.
The council say the roads will healthier, safer and more welcoming to use.
Baker Street, most famous as the home of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, is jam-packed with history.
The first ever Madame Tussauds was opened in the street in 1835 and The Beatles’ iconic Apple Boutique opened there in the 1960s.
During the Second World War, the Special Operations Executive known as Churchill’s Secret Army worked out of Baker Street, which has also been home to a number of famous residents including H. G. Wells, Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger and Son of a Preacher Man singer Dusty Springfield.
Deputy council leader Cllr Robert Davis said during a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the works: “Today we reach a major milestone in the realisation of the Baker Street Two way project which, when complete, will transform the area and provide residents, businesses and visitors with a vastly improved environment in which to work, rest and play.
“This is, quite rightly, a place to be proud of. From the famous wax models of Madame Tussauds, to the birthplace of cricket and of course the world’s first consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr Watson, the area is awash with history and should be celebrated and promoted.”
Work will be completed in phases in order to mitigate any potential disruption, with work to Gloucester Place, Blandford Street and two other junctions started earlier this week.
Work is expected to finish by early 2019, with shops and businesses in the area remaining open during the construction period.
During the first phase of works, which will run to December, temporary travel changes will apply.
These will include lane closures, access arrangements, turning restrictions and some parking, loading and bus stop suspensions.
As a result the area will be busier than usual and you should plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.
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