An area of Camden Town, London, which was severely damaged by fire in February 2008, is set to be transformed after the local authority gave the go-ahead for the regeneration of Hawley Wharf.

Camden Council has adopted a new planning framework for the wharf area, which extends back from the north bank of Regent's Canal into Camden's iconic market area. The Hawley Wharf Planning Framework outlines the council's vision to regenerate parts of Camden Town that are currently underused and have poor environmental quality, while also preserving the historic character of the area.

Although no specific proposals have been put forward, the scheme is likely to include a mixed-use project incorporating leisure, retail and residential developments and new public spaces. Andrew Marshall, Camden Council's executive member for planning, said: "This part of Camden Town has lots of potential and the new guidance will be instrumental in determining how future schemes on these sites are looked at.

"It promotes improving its physical environment, especially the public realm and safety, while ensuring the area's unique character and mix of activities are retained." It is hoped that the planning framework will complement work on the Camden Town Project, which is expected to get underway this Spring to improve the Camden High Street north of the tube station, including the widening of pavements and the planting of trees.