Urban design strategy by South Bank London

The draft version of this strategy was produced by Lifschutz Davidson, Davis Langdon and Everest, Oscar Faber and Speirs & Major. It was published in April, 2000. Consultation took place from April to June 2000. Supported by the Government's Single Regeneration Budget through the London Development Agency. SBEG is grateful to the many individuals and organisations that have responded to the draft urban design strategy.

South Bank Employers’ Group is an association of the major business and cultural organisations based in the area between Lambeth and Blackfriars Bridges. SBEG is a not-for-profit company whose members are: British Film Institute Coin Street Community Builders Ernst & Young Guys and St Thomas' Hospital HM Customs & Excise IBM UK Limited J Sainsbury plc King’s College, London London & Continental Stations & Property Ltd London Marriott Old Vic London Weekend Television P&O Developments Railtrack Royal National Theatre SBC Shell International The London Eye Co.

© South Bank Employers’ Group, January 2002 South Bank Employers' Group, 103 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL T. 020 7202 6900 E. mail@southbanklondon.com www.southbanklondon.com Maps reproduced from Ordnance Survey Landplan 1:5000 mapping with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright; Licence Number 398179

contents

foreword

executive summary

project list

1 background information

introduction

changes since 1994 report

the views of local residents and employers

urban design strategy

historical development

existing land uses and urban grain

public buildings and green space

barriers

existing public transport

recent & proposed projects

other masterplans & major projects

statutory plans

North Lambeth regeneration framework and UDP

2 strategic proposals

road hierarchy

public transport

pedestrian routes

cycle routes

community facilities & public space

lighting strategy

signage, information & street furniture

management & maintenance

3 proposed projects

foreword

Nine years ago South Bank

Many of the recommended environmental projects

Employers’ Group, at that time

have now been completed or are being progressed,

an informal grouping of nine

general attitudes to the area have been transformed,

businesses, commissioned

and major new developments are being planned.

consultants to prepare an

South Bank Employers’ Group itself has been

urban design strategy for an

incorporated as a not-for-profit company with a

area between Westminster and

membership of 18 major organisations. It has its

Blackfriars Bridges, lying to

own staff, and marketing, public art, and social

the south of the River Thames.

and community programmes to complement its

In our brief we stated:

environmental improvement programme.

“The South Bank is home to prestigious national and

In 1999 we commissioned Lifschutz Davidson to

international corporations, to Europe’s largest centre

lead a review of the 1994 report. As agreed with

for the arts and media, and to a growing residential

Lambeth Council this review takes into account

population. With the opening of Waterloo International

an extension of South Bank to include St Thomas’

it becomes London’s gateway to Europe. Its location

Hospital, Archbishops Park and an area up to

beside the River Thames and mid-way between the

Lambeth Bridge. To inform both the review and our

City and West End gives the area tremendous

social and community programme we commissioned

advantages. However it is generally perceived as a

MORI to carry out interviews with local residents and

bleak and hostile area, lacking shops and street level

local employers.

activity, and difficult for pedestrians to find their way about. This perception needs to change and the area

In April 2000 we published the results of this review for

become:

public consultation. The Urban Design Strategy was on the whole, very well received. Many of the people

• a desirable destination for cultural pursuits, business and pleasure; • a place of work with particular emphasis on the media and cultural industries; • a place with a flourishing and cohesive residential community; • an open space with riverside walkways and views;

who replied welcomed the study. They emphasised that large parts of South Bank remain in great need of improvement. Following this consultation we now publish the final strategy. In addition to incorporating comments on the draft strategy, we have included new schemes from Coin Street Community Builders, South Bank Centre and Shell International.

• a meeting place; • a friendly, clean, colourful, safe, dynamic and diverse area.”

We hope that this strategy will not only guide South Bank Employers’ Group’s priorities for investment but also influence the Government, the GLA, Transport for

The Group published the “South Bank Environmental

London, Lambeth and Southwark Councils,

Improvement Report” for consultation in April 1994.

developers, and all others whose actions, taken

Its authors, Llewelyn-Davies and Imagination,

together, will determine what it is like to live in, work

proposed 5 general principles and a “menu” of 30

in or visit South Bank in the 21st Century.

broadly costed projects as part of their strategy. That report received widespread support and led to the setting up of a well-attended residents’ Forum, the South Bank Partnership co-chaired by the area’s

Ian Coull

two Members of Parliament, and an on-going private

Chairman

and public funded programme to implement priority

South Bank Employers’ Group

projects.

January 2002

executive summary

Since 1994 there have been substantial physical changes to the South Bank and these have been accompanied by a transformation of attitudes to the area. Many of the improvements proposed in the

furniture and landscaping; • removing left over spaces and dead frontages and encouraging more street level activity; • maximising the opportunities offered by the

Llewelyn-Davies report have been implemented (e.g.

riverside walkway: implementing an improved

the “spine route” and area wide signage) or are in the

regime for management and maintenance of the

process of being implemented (e.g. Hungerford Bridge walkways). In addition there have been many positive developments foreshadowed by the earlier

public realm; and • creating greater interaction between the major corporations and the public.

report (e.g. the Bfi London IMAX cinema) and some not foreseen (e.g. the BA London Eye).

Improving the Environment, Public Transport, and Pedestrian Access

Changing attitudes are evident not only in MORI

At the heart of the new Urban Design Strategy is a

polls of local residents and employers but in the

radical plan to discourage “through traffic” from

interest shown by local landowners in the commercial

entering the area. A new road hierarchy scheme is

development of their assets. Shell International and

proposed involving:

South Bank Centre have consulted widely on their

• reduced road width, wider pavements, and

masterplans and others, such as Railtrack at Waterloo Station are in the process of bringing forward major proposals. Others, such as Sainsbury’s and Coin Street Community Builders, are progressing long-established plans.

pedestrian facilities on Waterloo Bridge; • use of Westminster Bridge restricted to buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians; • “through traffic” to use the boundary routes (Blackfriars Road and Lambeth Road) which themselves would be substantially improved for

Our review has shown that the original principles of

pedestrians.These new measures are essential if we

the Llewelyn-Davies strategy remain sound. Surveys

are to avoid traffic currently using the north bank

by MORI of local residents and employees have

from being pushed south by “World Squares” and

underlined the importance of also securing new and

other traffic-reduction measures being planned for

improved community facilities together with better

routes around Trafalgar Square and Parliament

shopping, air quality and litter control. Better air

Square.

quality can best be achieved by reducing the amount of traffic moving through the area and giving priority

But these new measures will also allow substantial

to low emission public transport initiatives. The

improvements to be made to Stamford Street, York

recent opening of so many public attractions in South

Road, Lambeth Palace Road, The Cut, Baylis Road

Bank and Bankside now make better management

and other local streets. A network of new “pedestrian

and maintenance of the public realm an urgent

routes” is proposed with better landscaping, lighting

priority.

and other facilities.

Our urban design strategy is therefore founded upon

Alongside this restriction of “through traffic” and

the following 8 goals:

improvement of pedestrian routes, the Urban Design

• improving the environment, public transport, and

Strategy supports the improvement of public

pedestrian access;

transport through the introduction of new services

• securing new and improved community facilities;

such as the Covent Garden – South Bank – Bankside

• encouraging better shopping;

– Tower “Riverside Bus” and the London Tram.

• giving physical expression to the area’s identity

Pedestrianisation of the area outside Victory Arch, a

through a comprehensive system of signage and

new integrated bus station at Tenison Way and a

information and the use of high quality street

riverbus stop by Bernie Spain Gardens are also

proposed. The needs of cyclists are recognised with a network of new and improved routes which allow

movement through the area without using the riverside walkway.

A comprehensive system of signage and information and high quality street furniture and landscaping

The report proposes the removal of surplus street furniture including pavement-mounted advertising

Securing new and improved community

structures except where directly linked to bus stops. It

facilities

recommends the provision of electronic information at

MORI surveys of local residents and employers show

public transport stops/stations, significant public

a clear need for new and improved community

buildings, and at “gateways” into the area. And it

facilities. The Urban Design Strategy proposes

proposes new planting and landscaping along the

extending and improving indoor and outdoor sports

recommended network of pedestrian routes.

facilities at Colombo Street and Paris Gardens. In addition facilities at the London Nautical School and Johanna School could be improved and opened to

Removing left over spaces and dead frontages

wider community use. The designation of North

The report identifies a number of empty or underused

Lambeth and North Southwark as London’s first

sites and suggests the introduction of new uses (and

Sports Action Zone should assist here. A major new

public art where immediate action is unlikely). Specific

community building containing ICT, childcare, digital

projects include the relocation of the Cornwall Road

arts, training and meeting facilities is planned for

bus depot to Waterloo Station and the use of empty

Stamford Street. The Millennium Green is complete

viaduct arches.

and the new Waterloo Youth Resource Centre has been built on Waterloo Road, while a children’s play area is proposed for the riverwalk by London Television Studios.

Maximising opportunities offered by the riverside walkway

The Urban Design Strategy develops ideas put forward in the 1997 report “South Bank riverside

The Urban Design Strategy also proposes

walkway and landscape strategy” and extends the

substantially improving “green spaces” at Hatfields,

area of coverage to a new “gateway” at Lambeth

and Emma Cons Gardens.

Palace. An area wide lighting strategy contains specific proposals for the riverside area. The demolition of a wall between IBM and the London

Encouraging better shopping

Television Centre allows a wide, landscaped route to

Extensive shopping facilities are proposed as part of

the River, a new bandstand and kiosks adjacent to the

masterplans for Waterloo Station, the Shell Centre

walkway enhance public use and remove the need for

and the South Bank Centre. This Urban Design

polluting “ice cream vans”.

Strategy suggests the need for an area-wide shopping strategy to ensure provision is related to likely demand. In the meantime it proposes improving

Improved regime for management and maintenance of the public realm

the environment for shopping in The Cut and

Inadequate pavement parking controls, litter collection

re-ordering the layout of Milroy Walk so that shops

and street cleaning, coach management and general

open onto the street rather than a poorly-lit “tunnel”.

maintenance and repairs are highlighted as problems.

Sainsbury’s have received planning permission for

An interim report on coaches by the Urban Design

a new development at Stamford Street. This will

Strategy team was fed into discussions by Lambeth,

incorporate a supermarket.

Southwark and the South Bank Forum, and many of the proposals have been adopted in the Boroughs’ new coach management strategy. The report recommends that local businesses, visitor attractions 7

and councils work together to find new ways of ensuring higher standards of management and maintenance.

Creating interaction between corporations and the public

The study showed that most of the major corporations were moving from the “fortress mentality” prevalent at the time of the LlewelynDavies study and were opening up their building and facilities to public use. Shell Centre have applied for planning permission for a major retail and leisure scheme which will open the ground floor areas. Sainsbury’s have recently received planning permission for a scheme on their headquarters site which will create new public areas.

Project list Environment, Transport and Pedestrian Access 01 Waterloo Bridge 02 Westminster Bridge 03 Blackfriars Road 04 Lambeth Road 05 Extension of Spine Route 06 Stamford Street 07 York Road 08 Lambeth Palace Road 09 The Cut 10 Baylis Road 11 Hercules Road 12 Cornwall Road 13 Viaduct Streets 14 Brad Street/ Windmill Walk 15 River Bus Pier, Bernie Spain Gardens 16 Riverside Bus 17 London Tram 18 Waterloo Place 19 Tenison Way Bus Station New and improved Community facilities 20 Colombo Street Centre/ Paris Gardens/ Christchurch Gardens/ Hatfields 2123 London Nautical School Playground 2224 Johanna School Playground 23 Play Area by London Television Studios 2427 Emma Cons Gardens/ Webber Street 2528 Stamford Street Community Facility 2630 Waterloo Millennium Green/ Youth Resource Centre 27 Hatfields Improved Shopping 28 Milroy Walk/ Rennie Street Left over spaces and dead frontages 29 Relocation of Cornwall Road Bus Depot 30 Use of Viaduct Arches where empty Riverside Walkway 31 Waterloo Bridge to Westminster Bridge 32 Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Bridge 33 LWT/ IBM Green Route 34 Lambeth Palace Gateway Additional proposals by SBEG members 35 Shell Centre Redevelopment, Belvedere Road 36 Shell Centre Redevelopment, Belvedere Road 37 Royal Festival Hall 38 Hungerford Car Park and Jubilee Gardens 39 Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Film Theatre 40 Doon Street Swimming Pool 41 Park on Sainsbury’s site

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Proposed projects Environment, Transport and Pedestrian Access

Improved Shopping

Riverside Walkway

New and improved Community facilities

Left over spaces and dead frontages

Current Masterplans by other parties

Additional proposals by SBEG members

1 background information

introduction

In 1994 South Bank Employers’ Group published for

• to produce for further consultation an urban design

consultation the “South Bank Environmental

strategy and “menu” of broadly costed projects

Improvement Report” prepared by Llewelyn-Davies

aimed at furthering that strategy.

and Imagination. There has been a great deal of change in the area since then and in June 1999

An interim report was produced in September 1999 to

Lifschutz Davidson, Oscar Faber and Davis Langdon

enable South Bank Employers’ Group to contribute to

and Everest were commissioned:

discussions about an area-wide coach management

• to review the 1994 report;

strategy.

• to discuss with each member of South Bank Employers’ Group and Lambeth and Southwark

This final report incorporates the results of

Councils their aspirations for the area and any

consultation and a number of additional projects by

developments planned;

SBEG members which were not shown in the draft

• to draw on the results of MORI surveys of local residents and employers carried out in the spring of 1999; • to extend the area covered by the previous report (Blackfriars Bridge to Westminster Bridge and south as far as The Cut/ Baylis Road) to include the area bounded by Hercules Road and Lambeth Road; and

strategy. These projects are numbers 35 to 40.

map 2 area of study

Area of study Area of extended study

Area of previous study

Area for possible future study

changes since 1994 report

The 1994 “South Bank Environmental Improvement

• the area’s transport infrastructure

Report” proposed 5 strategic goals and a “menu”

• local facilities which are already inadequate for

of 30 recommended projects. Over half of these projects have been substantially or partially

local residents and employees; and • resources to manage and maintain the public realm.

implemented since the publication of the report. These improvements, together with the opening of

At the same time appropriate changes could:

new attractions such as the B.A. London Eye, new

• strengthen the economy and support local

links to the north bank via the Jubilee Line and

shopping and job opportunities; and

walkways (under construction) at Hungerford Bridge

• create resources to support better community

and Millennium Bridge, and highly successful public

facilities and management of the public realm.

art and marketing programmes, have led to a transformation of perceptions of the area.

Our urban design strategy adopts the original goals of the 1994 report but extends and gives them a slightly

In particular the blight and decline noted in the 1994

different emphasis.

report has given way to feverish activity with further major developments proposed in masterplans

Many of the ideas in this strategy were debated at a

published or being prepared by South Bank Centre,

major conference: Transforming South Bank –

Shell International, Railtrack, Frogmore, and

Transport, Public Realm and Visitor Management

foreshadowed in Lambeth Council’s North Lambeth

Strategy, convened by SBEG and Lambeth Council in

Regeneration Framework.

July 2001. The outcomes of the conference are out for consultation. Lambeth Council are currently reviewing

Such extensive change brings with it threats,

their UDP. The results of the conference will be

challenges and opportunities. In particular it is likely to

incorporated into that review.

put pressure on:

map 3 changes since 1994 report

Changes since 1994 report

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Waterloo “Plaza” Concert Hall Approach Belvedere Road (County Hall to Hungerford Bridge) Belvedere Road (Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo Bridge) Upper Ground (Waterloo Bridge to Broadwall) Upper Ground (Broadwall to Blackfriars Bridge) Riverside (County Hall to Hungerford Bridge) Riverside (Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo Bridge) Waterloo Gateway Riverside (IBM to OXO Tower Wharf) Riverside (Kings Reach) Stamford Street York Road Waterloo Bullring Bullring to National Theatre Blackfriars Gateway

17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

Cornwall Road Emma Cons “Gateway” Hungerford Bridge Westminster Bridge Road Coin Street / Windmill Walk The Cut Lower Marsh Hatfields / Peabody Park Paris Gardens Square Westminster Bridge Gateway Shell Square Information and signage Lighting Public Transport

Progress in planning Substantial progress / completion

the views of local residents and employers

In early 1999 South Bank Employers’ Group

• public car parking facilities, street cleaning,

commissioned the research group MORI to conduct

waste disposal and public transport were the

surveys of South Bank and Bankside residents and

improvements most frequently requested by local

businesses. The aim of the two surveys was to

businesses.

discover how people view the area and its facilities, and to explore potential links with employment and

Members of South Bank Employers’ Group were

training. A free summary of MORI’s findings are

excluded from the MORI survey but were interviewed

available from South Bank Employers’ Group.

separately as part of our study. It was found that: • all members are concerned at low levels of

Amongst findings which are particularly relevant to this urban design strategy are: • only 37% of local households have use of a car compared to 49% in the case of inner London; • improvements most frequently sought by local

maintenance, especially street cleaning and repairs, by the local authorities; • all members are concerned at the lack of enforcement of traffic regulations, and some are particularly worried about the consequences of this

residents are better shopping, air quality and litter

when large new leisure facilities commence

control;

operation;

• 60% of residents believe that “there are not enough facilities for local people in the local area” with greatest dissatisfaction being expressed with regard to swimming facilities (48%), outdoor sports/ fitness

• most members are still concerned at poor access from Waterloo Station and the perceived lack of security in some streets; • most members are concerned to retain adequate

facilities (39%), shops/ stalls (38%), parks (37%),

access for coaches and other vehicles servicing

indoor sports/ fitness facilities (34%), community/

local facilities and businesses;

social club facilities (29%), library facilities and access to computer/ IT facilities (both 24%); • the lack of indoor and outdoor sports/ fitness facilities locally resulted in very low levels of

• all members are keen to see improvements to the riverside walkway, particularly to paving, lighting and security; • most members are keen to see improvements to

participation: only 9% of interviewees had used

local facilities, with sports, shopping and open

such indoor facilities anywhere in London during the

space seen as priorities; and

previous year, and for outdoor facilities this fell to just 4%; • 67% of local businesses employed less than 10 staff and 50% had been at their present site for 5 years or less; and

• a number of members are planning redevelopments and are keen to integrate these with other proposed changes.

urban design strategy

Our urban design strategy is founded upon the following 8 goals: • improving the environment, public transport, and pedestrian access; • securing new and improved community facilities; • encouraging better shopping; • giving physical expression to the area’s identity through a comprehensive system of signage and information and the use of high quality street furniture and landscaping; • removing left over spaces and dead frontages and encouraging more street level activity; • maximising the opportunities offered by the riverside walkway; • implementing an improved regime for management and maintenance of the public realm; and • creating greater interaction between the major corporations and the public. To achieve these goals we are proposing 8 area-wide strategies as well as a “menu” of specific projects. The area-wide strategies cover: • road hierarchy; • public transport; • pedestrian routes; • cycle routes; • community facilities and public space; • lighting; • signage, information and street furniture; and • management and maintenance.

historical development

The South Bank area under study has developed

designed, buildings in a relatively poor area

into four broadly distinct zones – the riverside,

contributed to a disintegration of the public realm.

the railway zone, the largely residential area to

Each building contained its own internal world with

the north of Waterloo East Station, and the

employees or visitors mostly arriving from out of town

mixed area to the south.

by railway and sustained by internal shops and facilities. As a result, for all the apparent wealth of its

Riverside

institutions, the streets and spaces between buildings

On the River, only Oxo Tower Wharf remains of the

on the South Bank became neglected and hostile.

dense grid of mainly 19th century wharfside buildings. The rest were removed in the late 19th and 20th

This trend has been significantly reversed in the last

century as the industrial focus of the Thames

few years for a number of reasons:-

moved downstream.

• SBEG and South Bank Partnership has created a partnership between public, private and community

The buildings that replaced them were large

interests which has driven improvements to the

architectural set pieces imposed from the outside

public realm and helped to create a more socially

rather than developed from the local economy and

inclusive community.

topography. Many of these new buildings were designed for major international occupiers (Shell, IBM, IPC) or were required for major regional or national public institutions (County Hall, National Theatre,

• the development of “outdoor” facilities such as Gabriel’s Wharf and festival programmes which have encouraged people “onto the streets” • the increasing importance of the leisure economy

South Bank Centre, St Thomas Hospital).

and the development and marketing of attractions

The development of these large, defensively

along the “millennium mile” which have brought

more visitors and trade into the area. • an increase in the size and wealth of the local resident population, and • the exodus or downsizing of a number of large

Residential The third, residential zone, to the north of Waterloo East Station has developed in a very controlled fashion possibly because of its status as a

institutions and an increase in the valuation of non-

conservation area (CA34/CA21). As a result much of

office uses which have combined to encourage the

the original stock of terraced houses from the early

opening up of large buildings to mixed uses.

and mid 19th century remain and are much sought after and valued in the current housing boom.

Railway The railway zone was formed in the mid to late 19th

South and East

century and largely completed in 1920 with the

The fourth zone – the area to the south and east of

building of Waterloo Station, now the largest railway

the railway has been developed in a somewhat

station in Europe. Most recently the International

sporadic manner without a coherent urban plan.

Terminal has been added to the north west side of the

Perhaps because of the railway and heavily trafficked

station. This railway zone effectively lies between the

roads which have been driven through it, the area has

riverside and hinterland and separates the two areas

had significantly lower land values and parts have

with a dense wall of viaducts, bridges and stations.

struggled to maintain a self sustaining economy.

The imposition of this impenetrable superstructure on

Lower Marsh, for instance, one of the major shopping

the area has long been recognised as a problem

streets for locals, was as long ago as 1930 described

blighting local regeneration and development and

as "wretched derelict houses" and still today is in

more generally as a visual scar on the urban

need of urban renewal and investment. However it is

landscape. This is particularly the case with Charing

clear from anecdotal evidence that Lower Marsh and

Cross railway bridge “..an active and passive eyesore,

The Cut to the east are now more vibrant than five

being itself an object of shame as well as the obstacle

years ago and that the hinterland generally is

to a noble view..”

regenerating. Reasons for this include:-

(Charing Cross Bridge – Arthur Keen 1930).

• rising property prices influenced by the proximity of Waterloo International and developments in the

The development of the railways has had a similar

riverside zone

effect on the local area as the historical development

• partnership investment in Lower Marsh

of the riverside:-

• new Jubilee Line stations at Waterloo and

• the imposition of externally determined 'mega'

Blackfriars Road.

structures which did not respect the urban grain • the development of a separated internal system which competes with the local economy and undermines local shopping • the creation of large areas of anonymous space between railway buildings and between the railway infrastructure and neighbouring zones

existing land uses and urban grain

Existing Land Uses

Urban Grain

The existing uses of the area are very diverse but

The ground diagram on the opposite page shows the

broadly fall into the zonal pattern described earlier.

differing scale and nature of historical development in the area under study:-

The railway zone forms a large central band mainly

• large deep plan buildings on the riverside are

devoted to railway infrastructure of various kinds as

separated by somewhat amorphous spaces. In

well as bus stops and bus stands (eg at Cornwall

other parts of London these might be parks and

Road, Mepham Street and Tenison Way). There are

squares – here they are often empty sites, car parks

other uses but these tend to be ancillary to the

or left over spaces

railway functions ie. convenience retail stores serving railway passengers or garages, parking lots and workshops in the railway arches.

• a tightly gridded area immediately to the north of Waterloo East Station which retains much of its Victorian character and street grain • the swathe cut through the area by the two railway

Railtrack plc are currently examining the potential for

systems – feeding Waterloo and Charing Cross

the conversion and use of the railway arches under

stations

Waterloo Station into comprehensive retail and passenger facilities. Also under consideration is the

• the somewhat fragmented hinterland with its relatively low rise and low density of occupation

construction of a large amount of office space above the south east part of the station.

Although from the ground the whole area appears to be densely developed, the ground diagram shows

The hinterland of the South Bank has smaller and

that there are large areas of open space – often used

more varied uses with a large amount of residential

for roads and often with poor relationships to the

accommodation of more traditional urban patterns – in

surrounding buildings.

terraced houses or large purpose built blocks of flats.

map 4 urban grain Figures for the population of and users of buildings in the area are approximately as follows:• residents • employees

6,000* 40,000*

• visitors current (ticketed attractions)

6,000,000 pa

• visitors (estimated 4 years hence)

9,000,000 pa

• Eurostar passengers • Waterloo Station passengers *

8,000,000 pa 75,000,000 pa

Bishop’s Ward and Cathedral Ward

Urban grain large/dispersed buildings small grain historic zones railways

map 5 existing land uses

Existing land uses hospitals/ education

residential/ retail

residential

restaurant/ bar

mixed use

parks

industrial

transport

public buildings

commercial

public buildings and green space

The South Bank has a great many public buildings

• Archbishops Park is a large green space hidden

and green spaces of various types. However public access to these venues and through these spaces is

behind Lambeth Palace • Lambeth Palace Gardens are surrounded by high

poor.

walls and only open to the public four days a year • Emma Cons Gardens are poorly landscaped and at

Although most of the major public buildings are located on the riverside there are other significant

times inhabited by alcohol or drugs users • The riverside walkway is a highly successful linear

institutions, such as the Old Vic and Young Vic, further

public space. Major improvements have been made

inland. Cultural and entertainment uses predominate

from the IBM building to Oxo Tower Wharf but

but there are also specialist facilities like St Thomas'

several sections are in need of upgrading

Hospital and Kings College.

particularly in respect of paving materials, lighting and landscaping to cope with existing and

The key requirement for such buildings, particularly in

anticipated visitor flow

central London, is convenient access for pedestrians or people with impaired mobility. Visitors to these

In summer 1997 South Bank Employers’ Group, in

buildings need:-

association with the London Boroughs of Lambeth

• coherent and straightforward routes

and Southwark, published a report entitled "South

• security

Bank Riverside Walkway and Landscape Strategy".

• amenities such as shops and restaurants

The recommendations and projects put forward in

• good lighting

that report are reviewed later in this document.

• information and sign posting • occasional shelter

The Transforming South Bank conference, held in July 2001, proposed that a number of ‘green routes’ should

In other central parts of London, visitors and residents

be developed linking the river walk with green spaces

can enjoy parks and green public spaces as they move

further south. These would be designed to improve

around the city. In the South Bank such green spaces

access from residential areas to the river walk.

as exist are often poorly utilised or maintained eg:• Jubilee Gardens had been a spoil tip during the JLE works, is currently affected by building works for Hungerford Bridge

Public buildings and green space 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Oxo Tower Wharf Bernie Spain Gardens Gabriel’s Wharf Princes Wharf London Television Centre London Nautical School London Nautical School Playground Hatfields Playground Christchurch Blackfriars Road Southwark Station Waterloo East Young Vic Royal National Theatre King’s College SBEG Offices

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Church of St John The Evangelist Imax Cinema Queen Elizabeth Hall Hayward Gallery Royal Festival Hall Jubilee Gardens Waterloo Station National Theatre Rehearsal Studios Emma Cons Garden Old Vic Theatre Millenium Green Johanna Primary School County Hall London Eye/ Waterloo Millenium Pier

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

St. Thomas’ Hospital Garden St. Thomas’ Hospital Lambeth North Tube Christ Church and Upton Chapel Archbishops Park St. Mary of Lambeth Church Westminster Tube Embankment Tube Temple Tube Blackfriars Tube Lambeth Palace Museum of Garden History Waterloo Action Centre Tenison Way Bus Station Southwark College Colombo Street Centre

map 6 public buildings and green space

Public buildings and green space public buildings

public transport

green space

playgrounds

education and public services

barriers

Vibrant cities rely on people moving around their

The railway superstructure provides a visual as well as

streets and open spaces on foot (or wheelchair).

a physical barrier to pedestrians and new initiatives

Pedestrian access into and around the South Bank

are needed to find routes through the system as well

is constrained by many barriers. Chief among

as attractive uses for the railway arches and

these are the:-

substructures.

• river • railways

Several main roads cut through the area under study.

• main roads

They are often clogged with traffic not serving the

• redundant spaces

local area. Congested roads carry many penalties – they create pollution, impede pedestrian movement

Although stunningly attractive, the river is a key

and prevent local businesses and arts venues from

obstacle to pedestrian access, it is wide and

being properly serviced.

relatively exposed to the weather. The new Hungerford footbridges and, further east, the new

Redundant and under utilised spaces form the fourth

Millennium bridge will radically improve access

barrier impeding pedestrian movements. There are

but the other existing bridges – those at Lambeth,

many such spaces, particularly in the area under

Westminster, Waterloo and Blackfriars – are also

study. These are poorly lit and landscaped, menacing

important routes into the area and need to be

parts of the city that inhibit movement or make it a

enhanced.

chore rather than a pleasure.

visual and physical barriers; the railway viaducts

an obstacle to pedestrian access; the Thames

map 7 barriers

Barriers 01 River Thames 02 Waterloo Bridge 03 Railway Waterloo East to Charing Cross 04 Stamford Street

05 06 07 08 09

Waterloo East Station Waterloo International Waterloo Road The Cut Baylis Road

10 11 12 13

Blackfriars Road Westminster Bridge Road Lambeth Road railway into Waterloo International/Mainline

14 County Hall Roundabout Block: visual barrier 15 Westminster Bridge 16 Lambeth Palace Road 17 York Road

existing public transport

Existing public transport in the area is dominated by

route to another can become complicated and

the mainline and international railways at Waterloo

protracted".

Station/International Terminal which handle 100 million passengers per annum. Most of these pass through

Nevertheless buses are the most important mode of

or away from the area under study without stopping.

public transport within the South Bank or for journeys to other parts covered by the Cross River Partnership.

Other than one underground station at Waterloo, there

Bus Journeys account for approximately 50% of such

are only two other tube stations at Lambeth North

journeys. Riverbus and cycle journeys account for

(Bakerloo) and the new Southwark station (JLE). This

relatively few movements within the area or between

level of accessibility to tube services compares poorly

it and the immediate vicinity. A great deal of private

with other central parts of London. There is a higher

vehicular traffic passes through the South Bank en

density of underground stations immediately north of

route to the City or West End.

the study area. A key issue arising from the extent of visitor As a result, the local public transport system is heavily

attractions within the South Bank and Bankside is

dependent on buses and these in turn rely on free

the very large increase in the number of coaches and

access through the road system – often not available

other vehicles that are arriving to set down and collect

because of congestion in the area under study. The

visitors. The impact of these coaches attempting

1996 CRIPTS study noted that the South Bank area

to park locally could have very detrimental

was less well provided with bus services than the area

consequences on the whole of the South Bank.

to the north and further that "since most services

The interim LDL/Oscar Faber report of September

terminate at Waterloo…a continuous east-west

1999 therefore put forward a strategy for dealing

journey (is) almost impossible and without one

with coaches and other visitor traffic.

comprehensive interchange point, changing from one Walking is the most significant means of travel within, and to and from, the immediate area – the total number of such walks (48,000) easily outstrip the number of car/bus movements (5,000) within the South Bank or between it and the immediate surrounding areas. Approximately 60% of walking trips are to outside destinations – the remainder are within the South Bank.

Southwark Tube Station

map 8 existing public transport

Existing public transport river piers

tube stations

bus routes

mainline railway stations

river bus routes

recent & proposed projects Residential

In addition Sainsbury’s is building a new supermarket

There has been a substantial increase in housing in

as part of its Stamford Street Development.

this central zone arising from a number of major developments:

Visitor attractions

• the student hostel for King's College

There has been an explosion in the number and type

• the conversion of the Shell downstream building

of visitor attractions available on the South Bank and

into The White house • the conversion and subsequent extension of County Hall • completion of co-operative flats at Oxo Tower Wharf • the development of flats on Westminster Bridge Road • the building and opening of Iroko Housing Co-op on Upper Ground

further east around Tate Modern. According to SBEG's own figures the total number of visitors to all the ticketed attractions will exceed 9m per annum with many more merely visiting and walking through the area. The evidence is that with land available and good existing or potential links to other parts of the city and transport, the South Bank is set to become the major cultural quarter of London and a substantial attraction on the European and World scene.

Generally there has been a change in perception about

Sports and community facilities

the qualities of the South Bank as a place for living.

There are comparatively few sports facilities on the South Bank. Some like those in the Shell International

Offices

building and County Hall, are not accessible to the

There have been several significant redevelopments

public or non-members. The MORI survey shows that

and other schemes are in the pipeline:

local residents are very dissatisfied with swimming,

• part of the Shell International building is due to

outdoor and indoor sports, community/social club,

be converted into leisure and retail uses • Shell International downstream and part of County Hall have been converted into flats and • permission is being sought for the redevelopment of the County Hall island block as new offices • Sainsbury's have obtained planning permission for

library and IT facilities. Work has now started on feasibility studies to develop a public swimming pool on the Doon street site and improving outdoor facilities at Hatfields and Paris Gardens. This is aided by the recent establishment of a Sports Action Zone, the first of its kind in London.

an office and retail development on Stamford Street • Elizabeth House has been refurbished but is still

Training and teaching

under consideration for development into 1m sq ft

One of the most important changes to the area under

of new office space

study is the relocation of King's College. New and

• permissions have been granted by the London

upgraded buildings have provided facilities for

Borough of Southwark for various offices around

approximately 3000 students concentrated around the

the new Jubilee line station at Blackfriars Road.

Cornwall House sites. South Bank has become a

The 1999 MORI survey of employers and residents

centre for learning as well as culture. The MORI

shows a substantial influx of new businesses to the

surveys of local residents and businesses show

South Bank.

significant demand for local training facilities, particularly IT. Work is progressing to create a training

Retail and Restaurants

facility on the Stamford Street site.

There has been relatively little change in retail facilities, although there has been a significant

Marketing

increase in the number and size of restaurants since

Recent marketing projects like “Walk This Way” and

the 1994 report including most recently Tas in The

“Explore the Millenium Mile” have emphasised the

Cut, Cubana in Lower Marsh and Pizza Express and

many walking routes available to discover the area’s

Chez Gerrard in Belvedere Road. Very significant retail

history and architecture. Marketing initiatives are

facilities are planned at the Shell upstream building,

designed to complement the area’s environmental

the South Bank Centre and Waterloo Station.

improvements.

map 9 recent and proposed projects 4 5

24 2

3 7

6 34 11

35 41

9 18 35

13 27

33 36

30 26 14

15 15

16 29

19 42 19 26

Key projects completed in the last 5 years projects currently under construction

proposed projects 21

Recent and proposed projects 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Doon St Swimmimg Pool Accommodation London Television Centre OXO Tower Wharf Barge House Iroko Housing National Theatre Landscaping South Bank Centre The White House Imax Cinema Hungerford Bridge Elizabeth House refurbishment Shell development County Hall mixed development

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

County Hall residential development General Lying in Hospital refurbishment Frogmore development Kings College Student Hostel St. Thomas’ Hospital development residential block Centaur Street landscaping, Eric Parry Architects Waterloo East /Jubilee link Southwark Tube Station Play area

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Jubilee Gardens & Hungerford car park St. Thomas’ Hospital Extension British Airways London Eye The Old Vic, extension and refurbishment Millennium Green Waterloo Station Undercroft Extenson CSCB mixed use project Railway arches Brad Street/ Wooton Street Railway viaduct Isabella Street/ Joan Street

34 35 36 37

38 39 40 41 42

Upper Ground/ Belvedere Road Spine Route Kings College Office development, Orbit House, 197 Blackfriars Road LT property office development above Southwark Tube Sainsbury’s Stamford Street facility St. John’s Church refurbishment Railtrack office building Residential block, Westminster Bridge Road

other masterplans & major projects

Major redevelopment plans for the centre of the area

• the introduction of two new buildings alongside

under study are being drawn up by various

Hungerford and Waterloo Bridges designed to bring

owners/developers. These include:-

mixed use to the site. In the case of the former also

• the South Bank Centre masterplan by Rick Mather

to shield the park from the railway, and the latter to

• Shell International proposals for their upstream

provide a new gateway off the bridge and reduce

building • the Railtrack pre feasibility study of Waterloo Station

the perceived distance of Waterloo Bridge from the north bank. Both buildings will contribute financially to the redevelopment of the whole site.

• the County Hall island block and Addington Street office redevelopment by Frogmore Estates • the development masterplan for the St Thomas'

In addition, SBC is proceeding with the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall foyers and auditorium.

Hospital Charitable Trust east of Lambeth Palace Road

The Shell Centre Redevelopment The 2001 Shell Centre planning application includes:

The major effect of these various proposals on the

• retention of the tower and adjoining wing buildings

area under study is difficult to assess particularly

as Shell office accommodation, with a consolidated

given that some of the plans are not complete.

reception area at the ground level of the tower building accessed from Belvedere Rd and from

Given these constraints but given also the strategic importance of these plans to the area as a whole, a brief description of each proposal is given below.

within courtyard • transformation of the ground plane to provide retail and catering uses • conversion of the existing basement for leisure and

The South Bank Centre masterplan

retail amenities

The principle aim of Rick Mather's masterplan, which

• improved pedestrian links to the surrounding area

covers the area from the BA London Eye to Waterloo

• creation of a new office building on the southern

Bridge and from the River to the IMAX, is to create:

edge of the site, above the existing Shell

• a world class riverside park

underground Car Park, reflecting the design and

• a world-class arts cultural complex

scale of neighbouring County Hall.

• easier access for everyone • a more welcoming environment

Railtrack pre-feasibility study of Waterloo Station This early study is to be followed by a full feasibility

The SBC Masterplan's key features are:

study of the station and will include proposals for:-

• an Urban Design Strategy to determine pedestrian

• improving passenger capacity

and service routes to and through the site and

• improving passenger facilities

identify active frontages (cultural and commercial)

• refurbishing the station buildings

• creating a new and contoured Jubilee Gardens • the creation of cultural delevopment on the Hungerford Car Park site and extension of the park • relocated car parking and coach terminal under Jubliee Gardens • the creation of a new bfi Film Centre, • the retention and refurbishment of the Hayward Gallery and an architectural competition to deter mine the future of Queen Elizabeth Hall/ Purcell Room

• providing significant office areas above the station ft2

to the south east (approximately 500,000 is under consideration) • providing significant retail and leisure facilities in the undercroft of the station at ground level • improving pedestrian access to and from the station and implementing a version of South Bank Employers’ Group’s Waterloo Place scheme • enhancing intermodal transport links and the bus stops at Tenison Way

statutory plans

The majority of the study area falls within the London Borough of Lambeth. The remainder is in Southwark. Both Councils have recognised the need to review their Unitary Development Plans, both of which are currently out for consultation. The London Borough of Lambeth has commissioned the North Lambeth Regeneration Framework as a first step in evolving a new plan for the area. It is also in the process of reviewing the UDP and has recently commissioned a “Visioning Process” for Waterloo. The Mayor of London is currently drawing up a Spatial Development Strategy. The SDS or London Plan is designed to provide the vision and direction for London for the next generation. It is designed to provide a an overarching and unified framework for all of the Mayor's strategies (eg economic, housing, transport, culture) and it will reflect the GLA's principle purposes and themes which are to pursue: • The economic and social development of London and Londoners and the improvement of the Greater London environment; • Equality of opportunity, the health of Londoners and London's contribution to the sustainable development of the UK In addition to the Spatial Development Strategy, the Mayor is also responsible for funding a range of strategies which will have a significant impact on South Bank. These include strategies on air quality, transport, economic development and culture. It will be essential for the local planning authorities to agree an effective planning strategy to ensure that provision of shopping in new developments is related to likely demand and that existing shopping is reinforced rather than undermined.

North Lambeth regeneration framework and UDP The London Borough of Lambeth has recently published for consultation a proposed North Lambeth Regeneration Framework. Two of the four “quarters”

creating links between them • building upon and enhancing the area's potential as a visitor destination as part of central London

described in the framework cover the South Bank

• improving visitor management and facilities

study area.

• improving accessibility to retailing from strategic area and local areas

“Waterloo Quarter” The Waterloo quarter is centred upon Waterloo Station. It stretches from Duchy Street in the north to Westminster Bridge Road in the south, and the River Thames to Morley Street in the east.

• enabling an increased level of control in relation to accessibility to or through the more private/local areas of Waterloo and • building upon and enhancing Waterloo's existing role and potential as an international departure and arrival point in relation to central London and

Strategic Aims and Objectives

Europe”

The Framework for Waterloo is based upon the strategic aim of developing the area as an extension

“North Lambeth Quarter”

of West End and central London capital city functions

The North Lambeth quarter stretches from Black

with a predominantly cultural based focus to attract

Prince Road in the south to Westminster Bridge Road

visitors, but with an improved office, environment and

in the north. Its western boundary is Albert

retail structure. This will build upon existing

Embankment and the majority of its eastern boundary

attractions, the Riverside frontage/walk and the

is formed by Kennington Road.

opportunities afforded by Waterloo Station as a key transport interchange within the London context.

Strategic Aims and Objectives

Allied to this is the promotion and enhancement of the

North Lambeth has a strategy with more of a 'local'

office sector as a key economic opportunity for the

emphasis based on consolidating and on improving

area. The strategy for Waterloo must take account of

housing stock, improving local linkages through

local functions, needs and opportunities as well as

transport links and enhancing employment

those at a strategic level. It is also a strategic aim of

opportunities.

the Framework to enable local residents and businesses to benefit from the area's strategic

Objectives comprise:

potential with any possible harm minimised.

• improving the quality of housing stock • improving the district’s identity

The framework has a number of objectives in relation

• improving the local accessibility and linkages

to achieving its strategic aims. These comprise:

• improving transport links • increasing employment opportunities”

• enhancing and supporting the opportunities offered by the world class cultural and entertainment facilities at and around the South Bank complex • creating and developing a structure which enables the area's strategic potential to be realised whilst respecting the local context and enabling the benefits of regeneration to reach the local level • focusing upon retailing and offices as market sectors as the basis for strategic regeneration in Waterloo • developing and improving retailing and associated activities at the strategic and local level and 34

These texts are quoted from the BDP “North Lambeth Regeneration Framework” Document of February 2000.

Transforming South Bank conference

A conference, Transforming South Bank, Transport, Visitor Management and Public Realm Strategy took place in July 2001. Organised by SBEG and Lambeth

• Improve key transport interchanges and integration into the National Railways system. • Ensure that both the public and private

and Southwark Councils with the support of the

infrastructure hold the capacity to deal with future

Waterloo Project Board and the London Development

large-scale development. This includes the capacity

Agency, it brought together a series of proposals to

of approach links, stations and interchanges.

improve transport, visitor management and the public realm. Participants included representatives of the GLA, Transport for London, English Heritage and Cross River Partnership. A report of the same name has now been published and is out for consultation.

• Increase the overall capacity of public transport systems, by means such as cross rail, new orbital links and trams. • Make the distribution of goods and services more efficient.

The conference agreed the following objectives.

• Ensure the safe, comfortable passage of visitors to,

• Improve road safety for residents and visitors.

• Provide parks and open spaces that reflect the

from and within the area. • Reduce the negative impacts of traffic, including air and noise pollution and traffic congestion.

differing needs of local communities encouraging community management, use and access, while

• Reduce the proportion of trips made by car.

maintaining and enhancing areas for their inherent

• Promote walking and create a pedestrian friendly

open space value.

environment. • Promote cycling and public transport. • Urban design to be of a world class standard. • Provide greater accessibility to public transport by residents. • Ensure that transport is not a barrier to social inclusion where there is a demonstrable link. • Provide a seamless and safe walking and cycle routes. • Provide clear links to the main line railway station.

• Improve disabled access throughout the area. • Improve ground level pedestrian access and remove subways as access routes. • Quality manage and maintain the public realm to reflect the area’s new found status as a tourist destination. • Maximise use of riverside as townscape, open space and transport link. • Encourage public art and events to improve the urban environment.

2 strategic proposals

road hierarchy

The particular importance of the road system of the

At the next level down, Waterloo Bridge, Waterloo

South Bank in providing capacity for public transport

Road, Stamford Street, York Road and a route from

(given the relatively poor underground system) has

Westminster roundabout along Westminster Bridge

been outlined earlier in this document. However

Road and Kennington Road are proposed as primary

existing roads on the South Bank are unnecessarily

distributors.

congested for a number of reasons:Local distributor roads are intended to be used • drivers use the South Bank as a short cut because of its location between the City and the West End • there is no clear hierarchy of routes and cars tend

solely by vehicles wishing to access local roads. Most relevant in this respect, is the proposal to designate The Cut and Baylis Road as local

to use any road available to find their way across

distributors, substantially downgrading their current

the area

heavy use by rat running, vehicular traffic.

• the four local road bridges funnel traffic into the area – this is exacerbated by the curve of the river

A number of restricted access roads are proposed.

which appears to focus on the South Bank

These will have their use restricted to particular

• poor maintenance of the roads and infrequent

categories of motorised vehicle, for example buses,

enforcement of parking and other regulations mean

taxis and servicing vehicles. In some situations

that capacity is reduced

restrictions may apply at particular times of the day. We have specific proposals to restrict the use of

Unless action is taken proposals to restrict traffic

Westminster Bridge to buses, taxis and pedal cycles.

north of the river are likely to exacerbate this situation.

Upper Ground will be restricted to vehicles requiring

Our strategy for the South Bank is to reorganise the

local access with no through route for rat running

road hierarchy in order to reduce congestion on key

traffic although a route for the new Riverside bus

routes. This will improve access for public transport

service, taxis and cycles will be maintained. Other

and vehicles that have business in the area, enhance

roads within the boundary route will only be used by

the environment and access for people at street level,

vehicles actually needing direct access.

and contribute to an increase in air quality. The proposed hierarchy will be achieved through a The plan shows the proposed road hierarchy for the

combination of traffic management measures, traffic

South Bank. It consists of a boundary route along

regulation orders, traffic control systems and signing.

Blackfriars Road, Blackfriars Bridge, the Embankment,

As far as practicable, these measures will be self-

Lambeth Bridge and Lambeth Road. This boundary

enforcing to minimise the need for police and other

route will carry all traffic not requiring access into the

enforcement resources.

area.

map 10 road hierarchy

Road hierarchy boundary routes

primary distributors

restricted access

local distibutors

public transport

Key initiatives include the “Riverside Bus” led by

interchange between the international, domestic

SBEG working with Cross River Partnership and

and underground systems and buses. The new bus

Transport for London and the London Tram. Both

station will provide a much more legible, visible

are shown on the strategic plan opposite. The more

and integrated facility as well as utilising a piece of

rational road hierarchy described on the previous

land with no other obvious use. The Riverside Bus

page will enable both these new public transport

and London Tram could also stop at the Tenison

schemes and existing bus routes to have improved

Way bus station.

access. • Less wasteful bus standing facilities. Currently We propose several additional enhancements to

buses stand or are parked at Concert Hall

surface level public transport:-

approach and Mepham Street. There is also a large

• An additional river bus stop at Oxo Tower Wharf.

bus garage at Cornwall Road. These facilities take

This river bus stop would be used by tourists and

up space that could be far better utilised to expand

residents but also particularly by staff of local

the public realm. The Cornwall Road Bus station

businesses on the South Bank and Blackfriars

blights the local environment particularly for those

Road. The new stop will be located between the

living nearby. We propose that all these facilities

Blackfriars and Embankment piers – currently this

are regrouped in Waterloo Station at ground floor

is the longest stretch on the central London river

level in the proposed new development.

bus route without a stop. The river bus stop will be sheltered and could incorporate a restaurant/public

• Coach parking and stops. The interim report of

amentity as proposed in the Unitary Development

September 1999 made proposals for handling

Plan.

coaches visiting the riverside area between the London Eye and Blackfriars Bridge. These

• A bus station at Tenison Way. Waterloo station

proposals are now being implemented in modified

occupies a pivotal public transport role on the

form. Additional coach facilities should be provided

South Bank and better facilities are required for

in accordance with the Waterloo Place scheme. The latter will provide considerable additional coach capacity with least disruption to local roads and residents.

map 11 public transport

Public transport river bus stops

tube stations

individual bus/ coach proposals

mainline railway stations

river bus route

riverside bus

existing bus routes

London tram

pedestrian routes

Because of the relative paucity of underground

These routes may need some upgrading in respect

stations, the South Bank also needs excellent surface

of their surfaces, lighting and signposting but are

level routes for pedestrians and for those with

already popular.

impaired mobility. • There are a number of other important routes that The strategic improvements we have proposed for the

appear to lie on pedestrian desire lines but which

road hierarchy and for public transport will themselves

have such poor environments that they are rarely

significantly improve the environment for people

used. Examples of these routes include those under

moving at street level. However we believe there

the railway lines to the south of Waterloo Station –

should be a more strategic approach to improving

Royal Street/Centaur Street and Carlisle Lane/Virgil

pedestrian routes across the whole area.

Street. Significant improvements to the street level environment are also required at Waterloo Place

The suggested network of pedestrian priority routes

and Tenison Way. These routes may require

shown on the attached plan is not necessarily

substantial changes to infrastructure (as in the case

exhaustive as there are many other desirable and

of Waterloo Place) or significant lighting and

useful routes in the area. There are three types of

surfacing improvements, CCTV cameras and other

route indicated.

associated improvements i.e.the letting of railway

• Those routes which are currently popular, well used

arches for appropriate uses or the development of

and identified but which need to be safeguarded

adjacent sites.

and improved. Examples include the Secker Street/Roupell Street link from Waterloo Station to

• Pedestrian routes on streets where the traffic

Blackfriars Road, the ‘spine route’ and most

capacity has altered in line with changes to the

importantly the riverside walkway.

road hierarchy. Examples of these include York Road and Stamford Street where capacity will be significantly reduced or Blackfriars Road and Lambeth Road where traffic will increase. Treatments to these routes will include additional trees, signposts, bus stops/shelters, and pedestrain “oases”. Much of this will be progressed through the recently published Transforming South Bank: Transport, Visitor Management and Public Realm Strategy which also proposed a series of green routes through the area.

map 12 pedestrian routes

Pedestrian routes pedestrian routes

public buildings

public green space

Lambeth Palace gardens

cycle routes The attached plan shows the proposed network of

• roads/streets where the reduction in traffic will

cycle routes across the South Bank. Again we do not

automatically provide better cycle routes such as at

suggest that these are the only routes, rather that

Stamford Street, York Road and Lambeth Palace

these are routes that should be preserved, enhanced

Road.

or created.

• new cycle routes where public access has either been unavailable or the environment so poor as to

There has been considerable argument about the

totally discourage cycling. Examples of these

possibility of mixing dedicated cycle and pedestrian

include the routes between Lambeth Palace

routes and the popular feelings expressed particularly

Road and Hercules Road under the railway lines.

at the South Bank Forum have very strongly rejected this concept. Accordingly we have excluded cycles

Improvements to the cycling environment will include

from the Riverside walkway which is the principal

cycling lanes and crossings where appropriate, and

focus of cycle/pedestrian conflict.

signposts, lighting and maps. This will be progressed through Transforming South Bank: Transport, Visitor

The plan shows several type of cycle routes:• existing dedicated routes such as on the ‘spine route’. • roads/streets where increases in traffic density will require the safe guarding of cyclists/dedicated lanes e.g. at Blackfriars Road or Lambeth Road.

Management and Public Realm Strategy.

map 13 cycle routes

Cycle routes green space

public buildings

community facilities & public space

The South Bank needs new and improved community

• The riverside walkway is South Bank’s outstanding

facilities including indoor and outdoor sports/ fitness

linear park and we propose further new paving,

facilities, library/IT facilities, and social/ meeting

lighting and landscaping. Part of these

spaces. It also needs more and better public areas,

improvements were completed in 2001. We include

especially given the expected growth in resident and

proposals for new ‘green links’ as well as facilities

visitor numbers. Our overall strategy is to create a

such as a children’s play area near London

range of indoor and outdoor facilities, each with its

Weekend Television. The South Bank Centre

own identity, meeting the diverse needs of this quarter

masterplan proposes an extension and re-

of the city, and all linked by accessible and coherent

landscaping of Jubilee Gardens. Lambeth Palace

routes.

Gardens have, until now, been open to the public only four times a year and the provision of more

• Over the past six years South Bank Employers’

frequent access would be a significant benefit.

Group has pressed for improvements to the

Waterloo Millennium Green and our proposals for

environs of Waterloo Station. The Group

Emma Cons Gardens/ Webber Street would

commissioned and received outline planning

substantially improve this ‘gateway’. It is important

consent for a scheme which rationalised traffic

that the area has tranquil spaces like these, as well

movement and created a major public space –

as places for festivals and other community

Waterloo Place – outside Victory Arch. The need for

activities.

such a scheme has never been greater and there is a strong possibility that SBEG’s proposals will be

• Important indoor facilities are proposed in the

incorporated by Railtrack in their own development

Stamford Street facility currently being planned by a

proposals. Railtrack will also be examining the

partnership between South Bank Employers’ Group,

extension of the strip of land at Tenison Way

and Coin Street Community Builders. The

between the railway viaduct and the IMAX cinema

integration of social, training, childcare, arts,

in order to extend the space available for the bus

library/IT and other facilities would make this a

station and the north-south transit link.

highly accessible centre for ideas, knowledge, creativity, skills and enjoyment.

• Our strategy proposes that Colombo Street Centre should be improved, extended and have additional

• The original proposals for improvements to

outdoor facilities. Playgrounds at London Nautical

Archbishop’s Park have been revised in the light of

School and Johanna School should be substantially

consultation. Improvements to the park are being

improved and, as far as possible, opened to wider

led by the recently formed Friends of Archbishop’s

community use. A swimming pool and dry-side

Park.

health facilities are planned by SBEG for the Doon Street site.

map 14 community facilities & public spaces

11 2 13

14 15 12

10 4

1 17

Key Community facilities and public space

Community facilities & public space 01 02

03 04

Archbishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park and Gardens Colombo Street Centre/ Paris Gardens/ Christchurch Gardens/ Hatfields Nautical School Playground Johanna School playground

05 06 07 08 09

Bernie Spain Gardens play area St. Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hospital gardens Emma Cons gardens/ Webber Street Stamford Street facility Doon St Swimming Pool

10 11 12 13

Waterloo Millenium Green/ Youth Resource Centre Riverside Walkway Jubilee Gardens/ Hungerford Car Park The Whitehouse Gardens

14 15 16 17

St. Johns Church Gardens Waterloo Place Shell Centre Lambeth Palace Garden

lighting strategy

The South Bank needs to have an overall strategy to

• Nodes occur at junctions between bridges and the

define minimum standards for functional illumination,

land and where major paths and thoroughfares

but also to promote a unified image of the area as a

meet. These should be defined in a way as to

whole. This lighting strategy sets out to define

promote clear orientation through the site.

individual areas and functions of the site at the same time as binding the area together as one coherent

• The site is divided naturally into different districts or

element. In the strategy, base ambient lighting will be

zones, according to function and landscape

provided to mark particular routes and thoroughfares,

surface. Parks and soft landscaped areas provide a

whilst character, fluidity of space and spectacle will

different function to the hardscape riverside

be defined, according to context, to enliven and

walkway and should be lit accordingly. Areas of

animate this complex district. The strategy is being

private and public ground, should be defined as

developed through the commissioning of a

different districts. A hierarchy of different lighting

Streetscape Design Guide being undertaken by

levels should be used, depending upon the degree

WS Atkins.

of after dark use of any particular district.

• Landmarks are identified and marked out for

• Lighting levels should comply with relevant industry

specialist treatment. These include key buildings,

lighting level recommendations and standards to

art installations and architectural features within the

ensure that dangerous routes and level changes are

landscape. The definition of landmarks helps to

lit to prevent accidents or feelings of insecurity.

define orientation through the site.

Lighting levels also need to be coordinated with the requirements of CCTV installations.

• There are many important vistas from and through the site. These include views across any of the five

• Allowance needs to be made for additional

bridges in both directions and into the South Bank.

temporary lighting for events and festivals that may

These should be lit in ways that encourage the

be planned at various times in the year particularly

movement of people through and into the site.

on the riverside walkway. This would mean an

Views and vistas should not be blocked with

allowance for extra power points at strategic places

lighting barriers.

throughout the area.

• The site is contained by a very well defined edge, in the river bank. This should be marked out as a feature, as should any other edges between functions and landscaped surfaces within the site (such as the railway superstructure), in order of hierarchy, with the river bank acting as the most dominant edge. • Lighting should be adjusted according to the function of paths and routes through the site, with a differentiation of lighting types between different levels of road/route in the hierarchy according to different traffic or pedestrian use. The continuity of lighting should be maintained along the whole length of any route.

map 15 lighting strategy

Key routes

paths

landmarks

views and vistas

edges

parks

gateways

nodes

signage, information & street furniture

The South Bank requires a clear, coherent sign strategy servicing traffic, pedestrians and public information. Proposed elements of street furniture include lighting columns, bins, cycle routes and bus stops.

• the holding of key spares to ensure speedy repair and the appointment of a single contractor responsible for repair. • the exclusion of all street based advertising furniture except where directly linked to bus stops. • street name signs should be located on buildings

We propose the following:-

wherever possible to reduce the number of sign

• the creation of a single scheme for all signs and

support structures cluttering the street and to

furniture • appointment of a single firm of specialists to

prevent them being vandalised . • electronic information points should be provided at

ensure that this is kept up to date and appropriate

three types of sites – Riverside Bus stops/railway

new elements are added as required

stations, at public buildings, and at gateways to

• the improvement and extension of the special range of signs and furniture developed for the

the South Bank. The attached plan shows proposed locations of these.

‘spine route’ and their provision in other areas in the South Bank. • the reduction of signs and furniture to the absolute minimum in order to reduce clutter and confusion. Where surplus furniture exists this can be relocated. Business premises or goods' service yards should not be signposted on the highway.

The strategy is being developed through the commissioning of a Streetscape Design Guide being undertaken by WS Atkins.

map 16 signage, information & street furniture

Signage, information & street furniture electronic information points (eco-bus stop)

electronic information points (gateway)

green space

public buildings

management & maintenance

In the majority of interviews, SBEG members

Consideration should also be given by SBEG

highlighted the importance of providing a higher

members and other local employers to clamping

standard of maintenance and enforcement,

vehicles that are parked on their land having crossed

particularly of traffic restrictions.

the footway illegally. This is a common occurrence at IPC and IBM. Closer monitoring of street cleaning and

The key issues mentioned were:

repairs is required for the whole area under review –

• parking controls (both on street and off street)

it is clear that standards are significantly below those

particularly at weekends

of other neighbouring boroughs. The problem of litter

• litter and graffiti

is being accentuated by the increased volume of

• street cleaning

visitors.

• general maintenance and repairs South Bank Employers’ Group is currently The 1999 MORI report also reports that litter,

investigating the creation of a “Business

pavement parking control and on street parking

Improvement District” in order to improve the

control were of great concern to local residents and

management and maintenance of the area. This will

businesses.

draw on experience over the last 5 years and is based on research from similar projects in the USA.

It is clear that many of the strategies for restricting

This in advance of a White Paper of the issues due

traffic will require a significant improvement to the

to be published in 2002. The Circle Initiative created

Local Authorities' enforcement procedures. Additional

by Central London Partnership brings together five

measures will have to be undertaken in certain areas

experimental Business Improvement Districts in

(eg close to the London Eye) if there is not to be

central London one of which is Lower Marsh and

chaos.

the Cut. SBEG will be working with the Circle Initiative, Southwark and Lambeth Councils to

SBEG is working in partnership with the local

ensure a co-ordinated approach to maintenance

authorities to develop an overall plan for visitor

of the area.

management and traffic control.

3 proposed projects

Waterloo Bridge UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Pedestrians are exposed to poor weather conditions on this increasingly popular bridge.

Reduce width of existing dual carriageways to two 5m single lanes, allowing single file fast moving traffic, or two lanes of queuing traffic in each direction.

The superb views from this bridge are rarely enjoyed since pedestrians are not encouraged to pause, even in summer. Busy traffic also discourages pedestrians. The proportion of bridge width given to vehicles is over generous at the expense of pedestrians and without benefit to motorists as traffic bottle necks occur at the junctions at either end of the bridge.

Remove wide central reservation. Widen pavement on both sides to over double their existing width. Resurface pavements and add street furniture, raised benches for better views, telescopes, etc. Provide lift at southern end to link the bridge to Upper Ground. Allow for Riverside Bus and London Tram stops.

Aims Increase pedestrian accessibility between the West End and South Bank. Provide wider pedestrian walkways to the bridge. Realise this project in conjunction with the road hierarchy proposal, which reduces the amount of traffic passing over the bridge.

Plan Waterloo Bridge

link to Somerset House

road narrowed to one 5 metre lane in each direction

pavement width doubled on both sides of bridge

Westminster Bridge UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Pedestrians are exposed to poor weather conditions on this increasingly popular bridge walking route.

Increase pedestrian accessibility between Parliament Square and the South Bank.

Reduce width of existing dual carriageways to two 3m single lanes plus 1.5m cycle lanes allowing buses, taxis and emergency vehicles only.

There are no facilities for pedestrians to pause to take in the views of Parliament, the London Eye, and the river itself. Busy traffic also discourages pedestrians. The proportion of bridge width given to vehicles is over generous at the expense of pedestrians and without benefit to motorists as traffic bottle necks occur at the junctions at either end of the bridge

Provide wider pedestrian walkways to the bridge. Realise this project in conjunction with the road hierarchy proposal, which reduces the amount of traffic passing over the bridge.

Remove wide central reservation. Increase pedestrian zones by 4m total, to widen pavement on both sides. Resurface pavements and add to street furniture, benches, telescopes, etc. Provide wider pavement viewing position opposite Big Ben. Provide pedestrian/cycle crossing on axis of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spine routeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Plan Westminster Bridge

enhanced pavement viewing area

wider pavement viewing area

pavement width doubled on both sides of bridge

road narrowed to one 3-metre lane and cycle lane in each direction

spine route pedestrian cycle crossing

Blackfriars Road UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Blackfriars road is a long, heavily trafficked road with no lively street activity.

Allow this boundary route to absorb an increase in traffic with no detrimental effect.

Integrate the few existing trees with new trees planted at regular intervals along both sides of the road.

There is no sense of unity due to the varied architectural styles, scales and setbacks along the street.

Encourage commercial activity.

Proximity to the City could support commercial expansion, but the environment is currently unattractive.

Use trees to give some sense of scale and enclosure to the more open lengths of road dominated by large office buildings.

Create pedestrian â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oasesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at intervals on both sides of the street at which pedestrians can shelter or cross with high quality paving, lighting, street furniture and art, creating a boulevard effect.

Southwark station on the Jubilee line extension has improved transport links, but the environment discourages pedestrians from walking along the street.

Improve the pedestrian environment.

Use trees and street furniture to demarcate the boundary between pedestrian and vehicle zones. Provide better pedestrian crossings.

Provide new street lighting, possibly incorporating banners. Blackfriars Road will be influenced by new office developments, notably above the Southwark Underground Station by MJP, a building opposite by Will Allsop Architects, and a tower adjacent to the BT building by Lifschutz Davidson.

Plan Blackfriars Road

oasis at junction with Upper Ground

oasis outside Sainsburys

oasis opposite junction with Stamford Street

oasis outside Christchurch Gardens

oasis outside public house

oasis opposite Southwark Tube

Lambeth Road UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Lambeth road is a long, heavily trafficked road with little lively street activity.

Plant hedges or small trees along the roadside by the larger residential blocks such as Copeland House. encourage residents to occupy the external spaces around their buildings.

There is no sense of unity due to the varied architectural styles, scales and setbacks along the street.

Aims Allow this boundary route to absorb an increase in traffic with no detrimental effect. Improve the pedestrian environment. Use trees to give some sense of scale and enclosure to the more open lengths of road dominated by large residential buildings. Provide better pedestrian crossings. Give some shelter and privacy to the communal gardens of residential blocks.

Illuminate the brick wall opposite the recently built hotel at the western end of the street, in a similar way to the illumination of the Lambeth Palace Garden wall. Clean the brickwork of the wall. Illuminate the garden behind these walls, in particular the tree in the foreground. Illuminate the garden of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Museum of Garden Historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and improve the timber fencing between it and the road. Investigate opening up existing archway to become a new frontage to Lambeth Palace opposite Novotel hotel. Improve paving, lighting and street furniture where necessary.

Plan Lambeth Road

plant hedges or small trees along the roadside by the larger residential blocks

illuminate the wall and the garden behind, in particular the tree in the foreground.

investigate opening up existing archway

illuminate the garden of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Museum of Garden History

‘Spine Route’ extension UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Road surfaces and street furniture along Belvedere Road, west of Hungerford Bridge were not upgraded as part of the first phase of the ‘spine route’ extension in order to avoid building works during the excavations for the Jubilee Line at Jubilee Gardens. This work is still necessary. Surfaces are in poor condition, lighting is poor and a route which is the gateway to the London Eye from east and south is in very poor condition.

To create a high quality environment of the same standard created along the ‘spine route’ in 1997.

Proposals for Jubilee Gardens, the Hungerford Car Park site and Shell Centre Development are described elsewhere in this report. In conjunction with these it is proposed that the current ‘spine’ route scheme including banners, light fittings and road surfaces be extended along Belvedere Road to County Hall and along Chicheley Street to the junction with York Road.

The original strategy would have extended the ‘spine route’ through the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital. Following consultation with the hospital’s board and trustees, it is accepted that this approach is inappropriate in a clinical environment.

Stamford Street UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Large amounts of traffic pass through this residential street. Parts of the street are unnecessarily given over to vehicles. Some of the large commercial buildings at the east end of the street are inward looking and give little to the public realm.

Remove two lane left turn slip road at junction of Stamford Street with Blackfriars Road. Replace with a pedestrian area. Articulate as a 'gateway' to the SBEG zone, with some protection from traffic, including trees and low level planting at the edge of the road. Articulate in a similar way to the proposed 'oases' on Blackfriars Road (see project 3).

Aims Improve and increase amount of space for pedestrians. Allow single coach drop-off bay by Bernie Spain Gardens in accordance with coach management strategy Take advantage of large pavement zone outside Milroy Walk Encourage large commercial buildings (IPC in particular) to create an active frontage to the street.

Improve landscaping to entry zone around Milroy Walk and encourage its occupation by market stall holders. Provide one coach drop-off bay on the north side of the street outside Bernie Spain Gardens. Give maximum pavement width to pedestrians by narrowing road where possible. Introduce indented, metered parking at the west end of the street by Kings' College, and plant trees where pavement widths permit.

Give Mulberry housing co-operative gardens more privacy by hedge type planting behind the existing low level fencing. Major developments are taking place on this street. These include the new Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building, the proposed Stamford Street community facility and proposals to develop part of the London Nautical School site. All of these will help to improve the overall environment.

Plan Stamford Street

encourage more open frontages to large commercial buildings

proposed market area in front of Milroy walk new pedestrian area at junction of Stamford Street and Blackfriars Road

coach parking space

improved privacy to ground floor of housing association block

York Road UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

York Road is a busy street with opportunities to link Waterloo International through to the London Eye and the Thames. It is currently difficult to cross and its buildings give little back to the street.

Take advantage of the proposed redevelopment of Elizabeth House to create a new 'York Square' between the proposed buildings. This will present a dignified and generous entrance to Waterloo International from York Road. The square should possess commercial and retail activity.

Aims Taking account of the increasing numbers of visitors to the London Eye and County Hall, York Road should be developed into a more pedestrianfriendly environment.

As a short term measure before any such development, an opening could be made in part of the ground floor of Elizabeth House to allow pedestrian access between Waterloo International and York Road. Co-ordinate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;York Squareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proposal and pedestrian routes with Shell Centre development. Provide coach drop off bays where possible, in order to accommodate the increasing numbers of visitors, and remove the need for bays in Belvedere Road. Introduce improved lighting and street furniture. Plant trees where pavement widths permit.

Plan York Road

wide crossing between proposed ‘Waterloo Place’ and Sutton Walk

‘York Square’ between buildings of a redeveloped Elizabeth House

Lambeth Palace Road UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The environment for pedestrians is particularly poor along the entire road either because the frontages are too inconsistent and broken up (e.g. at St Thomas’ Hospital) or because they are too overbearing (e.g. Lambeth Palace garden walls).

Reduce through traffic and coach parking. Improve the environment of the street.

Reduce traffic and give road ‘local distributor’ status. Reduce coach parking to a small number of 20 min. bays. Widen pavement particularly adjacent to the palace walls.

The road is heavily used by through traffic and often congested at the palace end. Coaches parking near the popular observation point opposite the palace are a further barrier. Apparent routes/streets leading off the road are closed to the public. The park at the Palace end is hemmed in by traffic and the Palace entrance is cut off by the busy road.

Emphasise the entrances to the street particularly at the Lambeth Bridge end – this is effectively a gateway to the South Bank.

Reduce road width to two lanes between Lambeth Bridge and the Accident and Emergency department of the hospital. ‘Unite’ park and entrance to Lambeth Palace with wide road crossing, common lighting and street furniture, as outlined in project 42. (Note Lambeth Palace state rooms are now open between April and November). Enhance lighting to whole of Lambeth Palace Road but particularly feature palace walls at night. Provide enhanced lighting to some trees at the rear to provide glimpses of Lambeth Palace gardens and Archbishops Park.

Plan Lambeth Palace Road

vehicle set- down point outside Becket House

road three lanes wide between County Hall Roundabout and hospital Accident and Emergency access

route restricted to one lane in each direction

lighting to Palace Walls

improved landscaping and pedestrian crossing linking riverwalk to St Mary of Lambeth church

The Cut UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

The Cut is currently used as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rat runâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by large volumes of through traffic.

Unify the Cut with Lower Marsh by using similar access restrictions and landscaping, with the aim of emphasising the two streets as the most important retail zone in the area.

Its connection with Lower Marsh is weak due to Waterloo Road separating the two.

Aims Increase the importance of the Cut as a public transport route to Waterloo East and the Jubilee Line Extension (Southwark tube station). Reduce the amount of traffic on this important retail and residential street. Allow the street to attract more and better quality retail tenants. Improve the quality of the shopping / residential environment Increase safety of pedestrians.

Narrow the road to two vehicle lanes wherever possible (5.5m total), and widen pavements. Incorporate narrowing of the street with proposed crossing to link the Old Vic with Emma Cons gardens. Make allowance for short term roadside parking by incorporating parking bays into the extended pavement zone. Introduce trees to give better containment and an improved environment

Use speed ramps and markers, including a change of surface material at each junction in order to demarcate restricted access. Integrate better street furniture and lighting, and remove pavement based advertising. Encourage more open and improved frontages to: the Young Vic, the Old Vic and Southwark college. The Circle Initiative will develop proposals for Lower Marsh and The Cut as a pilot business improvement district. Section 106 money may also be available from the imminent construction of an office development above the new Southwark London Underground station. It should be noted that as well as Southwark College proposing to improve its buildings, The Young Vic and The Old Vic are aiming to improve their facilities in the near future.

Plan The Cut

general arrangement plan

southwark tube

young vic

detail plan

new trees

pedestrian crossing

seating zone including lighting and other street furniture parallel parking bays widened pavement zone

Baylis Road UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Baylis Road has a remote relationship to the residential buildings on either side of it. The low level houses to the south are separated from the street by a garden wall, and Johanna Primary school presents a blind wall along the whole length of its playground.

Increase planting in front of blind walls wherever pavement widths and grass verges allow it:

Aims Animate blind walls enclosing gardens and the playground. Give more privacy to communal gardens of Matheson Lang House. Create awareness of Lambeth North tube station from Baylis Road, and accentuate its corner position.

Walls can be illuminated at night in conjunction with, or as an alternative to the planting. Improve privacy for residents and give some shelter from the road to Matheson Lang House garden by introducing hedges and varied planting behind the existing iron fence. Open entrances to Lambeth North tube station by cutting into the blind wall facing Baylis Road, and introduce shop frontages. Signal existence of the tube station with better lighting to this facade at night. Introduce new street lighting and street furniture. Re-pave and enlarge pavement where necessary/possible. Improve the playground boundary wall between Johanna Primary School and Baylis Road, and illuminate at night.

Plan Baylis Road

improve the playground boundary wall between Johanna Primary School and Baylis road. Illuminate its external surface at night.

improved privacy to communal gardens

openings to side facade of Lambeth North Station

Hercules Road

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Building frontages to the street are varied and give very little to the public realm.

Encourage the 'Central Office of Information' to present a more active frontage to the street.

Road width is unnecessarily large in places.

Give some privacy to the ground floor gardens of 'Blake House' by planting climbers and durable hedge-type plants against the existing iron fence (where required).

Road is unsympathetic to the surrounding residential zones.

Aims Create more activity on the street, more planting, wider pavements and a better environment for residents. Improve the north side of the street towards the railway viaduct.

Widen pavement to south side in order to benefit the residents of the housing blocks on that side of the street. Introduce 'inlet' parking, where parking spaces alternate with extended pavement zones. Plant trees along Hercules Road wherever there is sufficient width between the buildings and the kerb. Encourage Railtrack to develop and refurbish the derelict buildings and railway arches to the north side of the street. Narrow entrance to Hercules Road at the junction with Lambeth Road in order to discourage use by vehicles with no business in the area. Improve existing sports court and landscaping to south side of road where required.

Plan Hercules Road

encourage more active frontage to ‘Central Office of Information’

improved privacy to ground floor flats by planting hedges

wider pavement and ‘inlet’ parking

Railtrack to improve derelict site

improved sports court

Cornwall Road

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Cornwall Road is a key north-south route for pedestrians moving from the South Bank towards the interior of the site, but is heavily used by ‘ratrunning’ traffic.

Upgrade the paving, lighting and street furniture using some of the materials established for the ‘spine route’.

The environment is poor in places – particularly at the bus depot and under Waterloo East station, and at the north end adjacent to the Coin Street car parks. Some shops, particularly those on the east west pedestrian routes (RSJ’s and Konditor and Cook) trade well. Others, such as at the base of King’s College Hostel, are currently being let.

Aims Unify the road and provide a single coherent pedestrian route. Restrict vehicle access to the route, allowing access and emergency vehicles only. Enhance the environment particularly at the ‘low points’ on the street.

Narrow the street north of Stamford Street, widening the pavement by Kings College and adjacent to the Coin Street site ‘A’ car park. Between Stamford Street and The Cut, narrow the road to minimum width allowable for two vehicles to pass. Create new, widened zones on alternate sides of the road, containing residents’ parking, trees and lighting. Such treatment acts also as a chicane to slow down traffic. Give maximum width to pavements wherever possible. Provide special illumination to the railway arch under Waterloo East. Alter the road exit to left turn only onto the Cut to allow for a wide pedestrian crossing to the Old Vic. Parts of Cornwall Road between Upper Ground and Stamford Street have been upgraded as part of Coin Street Community Builders’ Iroko housing development.

Plan Cornwall Road

widened pavements adjacent to Coin Street development and Kings College

alternate zones containing parking, landscaping, trees and lighting widened pavements

hoardings to 3i site

hoardings to Cornwall Road bus garage

restricted access to motor traffic

Viaduct streets

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Streets included:

Problems

Proposals

The possibility of passing beneath the railway is poorly signalled from the surrounding streets.

Commission a series of contemporary public art installations / displays

Westminster Bridge Road Upper Marsh Carlisle Lane Centaur Street Hatfields Windmill Walk

Clean brickwork on inside of arches. Streets passing beneath the railway are unimaginatively lit.

Cornwall Road Personal safety could be improved in all of these zones.

Provide imaginative lighting for use during night (and overcast days). Light sources to be concealed behind contemporary art panels. Provide new paving and signs.

Aims Strengthen connections between areas on either side of the viaduct by making the existing connecting routes more prominent. Improve the streets through the introduction of public art Give some common identity to the various streets under the arches, treating each as a variation on a theme.

Install CCTV where necessary.

Plan Viaduct streets

Westminster Bridge Road

Upper Marsh

Carlisle Lane

Centaur Street

Virgil Street

Brad Street / Windmill Walk

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Some of the railway arches are occupied by garages, scrap metal merchants and businesses which create large amounts of noise and use the street intensively for moving goods and equipment. Some of these activities are insensitive to the residential streets adjacent.

Encourage Railtrack (owner of the railway arches) to alter their letting policies to ensure that the quality of archway facades is improved by their tenants.

Imaginatively illuminate timber and steel structure of Waterloo East station.

Many archway facades are in need of renovation and cleaning.

Improve quality of street as an 'extension' to the adjacent residential gardens, and make it a safer place for families with children.

Clean and illuminate the archway where Windmill Walk joins Brad Street (see project 13 for introduction of public art to viaduct streets). Renovate existing glazed tiles to interior of arch. Introduce new street lighting and furniture Resurface road with a more durable material to resist the physical stresses received from the small industries/businesses occupying the railway arches.

Plan Brad Street / Windmill Walk

cleaned and improved facade to railway arches

archway to Windmill Walk renovated and public art installed

improved road surface, street furniture and lighting

River Bus Pier, Bernie Spain Gardens

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Acess to the river from the river walk is very limited. The nearest riverbus stops on the south Bank are at the London Eye and Bankside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is the longest stretch without a stop in the central London section.

To increase public transport in this part of South Bank.

Provide a floating pontoon, canting brow and jetty at Bernie Spain Gardens.

Two existing jetties at Bernie Spain Gardens and Oxo Tower Wharf are under-utilised.

To provide additional public facilities on the river.

Provide some restaurant refreshment facilities on the pontoon. Re-locate existing barge moorings and dredge the riverbed to provide an appropriate inshore location.

Riverside Bus

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Poor air quality.

South Bank Employers' Group is leading a Cross River Partnership initiative to introduce a new service in Spring 2002.

Inadequate east-west public transport. Concentration of attractions bringing traffic congestion.

London Buses has agreed that the new service will be part of the Travelcard network.

Aims Introduction of new, frequent service linking Covent Garden, South Bank, Bankside and Tower of London.

Approximately 39 stops are being installed and these will serve residents, businesses and over 30 visitor attractions. The service will run every ten minutes from 6am to midnight.

Map Riverside Bus

London Tram

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems Congestion on existing north-south underground routes. Inadequate public transport connections between north, central and south London. Reluctance to switch from private to public transport.

Aims Introduction of high-quality, frequent service linking northern

Proposals

termini at Camden and King's Cross/St.Pancras, via a common

Transport for London is leading a

It is anticipated that the tram would

core section between Euston and

Cross River Partnership initiative

provide 72 million journeys per year

Waterloo, to southern termini at

to introduce a new surface level

on a route from Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross to

Peckham and Stockwell.

public transport link either using

Peckham and Brixton providing

a modern tram system on fixed

affordable transport for people in

tracks and powered by overhead

the more deprived parts of Lambeth

cables or a guided bus system,

and Southwark and complementing

possibly using electric traction.

growing employment opportunities in the area.

Provide stopping space for the new link at Tenison way to integrate with other bus and rail routes.

Waterloo Place

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Proposals

Victory Arch is currently the main pedestrian exit from Waterloo. The spaces outside are disorganised, difficult to cross and dominated by vehicles. This is not a dignified welcome to London.

Restrict vehicles from encircling the station complex, and redirect traffic to free the north side of the station.

The railway arches are poorly used and have a negative influence on the area. Together with York Road and the Bull Ring, they create substantial barriers between the station and the surrounding city.

Aims To improve access between Waterloo station and the surrounding area. Create a new public place – to be the main external focus of the station. Improve the working of the station and transport interchange component parts; the domestic terminal, the International Terminal, bus, coach and other facilities, reveal hidden potential of existing spaces and facilities to encourage commercial development and raise local property values to ensure that the space around the station is fully utilised.

Create a new public piazza – Waterloo Place – free of traffic and surrounded by shops and other facilities. Open railway arches to create retail and restaurant facilities. Provide a new bus station and stands at Tenison Way (project 19). Provide additional bus stands under the station. Take advantage of future redevelopment of Elizabeth House to allow views and access between the International Terminal and York road. The London Borough of Lambeth has made temporary improvements at the entrance to Waterloo Station. These include a new pedestrian crossing at ground level on York Road, providing a direct link between the station and South Bank Centre. For more detailed proposals, see Lifschutz Davidson ‘Waterloo Place’ document (1995)

Plan Waterloo Place

Tenison Way Bus Station

UDS

environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Buses are a particularly important mode of transport south of the river because of the low density of tube stations. There is a need for a substantial interchange between bus and rail transport at Waterloo station.

Remove buses from Mepham Street and Waterloo Place.

Create a single, large bus station on land to the north of the railway viaduct.

Buses currently use Mepham Street the station access road to stop and stack. They add to the confusion of vehicles and alienate pedestrians in this area.

Provide better access to the Imax Cinema and the lower level of the Bull Ring.

Demolish no.5 Whichcote Street and relocate JLE vent.

Open the railway arches to pedestrian access and retail tenants.

Give a coherent front to the station when approaching from the Bull Ring.

The area to the south of the Bull Ring is derelict and underused. Many of the railway arches are closed and serve only secondary functions.

Positively use the space between the railway arches and the Bull Ring.

Provide a conveniently placed stop for the Riverside Bus and The London Tram.

Fully utilise the Tenison Way site and release other parts of the station for pedestrian use. Provide stairs, lifts or escalators to the Imax entry level. For more detailed proposals, see Lifschutz Davidson â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Waterloo Placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; document (1995)

Plan Tenison Way Bus Station

Colombo Street Centre, Paris Gardens, Christchurch Gardens new and improved community facilities

Problems The area lacks suitable outdoor sports and play facilities. A number of green/open spaces exist in close proximity to one another, but at present have little relationship with each other. Existing green/open spaces are currently under-utilised or poorly maintained. The vacant site at the southern tip of Paris Garden adjacent the surgery has long been earmarked for community use, but has lain derelict and overgrown for a number of years. The Colombo Street Community & Sports Centre is in urgent need of refurbishment, and an extension of both indoor and outdoor facilities. The elevation of the Centre is blank and uninviting, and does not give any clues as to the activities within. It is surrounded by a number of underused or derelict sites. Christchurch Gardens has little relationship to Colombo Street or the Colombo Street Centre. Christchurch Gardens is not used to its full potential.

Although recently replanted, the gardens could still be improved. The relationship with Colombo Street is restricted by rather defensive railings and a wall.

Aims To unite and improve the various community facilities in this area. To realise the potential of the Colombo Street Centre as a key indoor and outdoor community and sports facility. Improve the environment of the gardens, to encourage more people to use and pass through them. Improve the link with Colombo Street, and encourage ‘policing’ of the gardens by allowing clear views across the gardens and increasing the number of people passing by and through them.

Proposals Provide a flush, shared road/ pavement surface to unite Christchurch Gardens, the Colombo Street Centre and new facilities on Meymott Street.

UDS

Open up the ground floor of the Colombo Street Centre to the street, and reorganise internal spaces to reinforce the relationship with the street and ‘advertise’ the presence on the Centre. Calm traffic and facilitate pedestrian crossing between these new facilities and improved facilities on the Peabody side of Hatfields. Re-landscape and restore Christchurch Gardens. Refurbish and extend indoor facilities at the Colombo Street Centre including a new reception, a larger gymnasium, better changing facilities, office and club facilities. Lay out new outdoor pitches and play areas on Meymott Street and Hatfields. Investigate the possibility to link these facilities with the proposed new and improved facilities at the London Nautical School. Build seating steps against the existing retaining wall down to Colombo Street. Re-landscape the gardens and provide new benches and other street furniture.

Plan Colombo Street Centre, Paris Gardens, Christchurch Gardens

improved landscaping to Christchurch Gardens

Colombo Street Centre refurbished and extended

Colombo Street closed to traffic (except for access and emergency vehicles) Paris Gardens Square

landscaped zone and external sports courts

London Nautical School playground UDS new and improved community facilities

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The playground is monotonous and does not provide a stimulating environment for imaginative or cooperative play.

Improve the playground facilities to encourage more imaginative games/play.

The school has ambitions to improve and develop much of the site.

The school playground is currently poorly landscaped and the fence and walls surrounding it are in need of refurbishment. It presents a very poor outlook to the neigbouring streets part of the playground to the south is in very poor condition.

Provide a better outlook from the exterior. Encourage extended use by the local community.

Improve the fencing on hatfields improve playground landscaping and indoor sports facilities. Open these sports facilities to the wider community when not in use by the school. A stronger relationship between the school and the Hatfields playground to the south (see project 27). Provide better lighting.

Plan London Nautical School playground

Johanna Primary School playground

UDS

new and improved community facilities

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The school's playground area is monotonous and does not provide a very stimulating environment for imaginative or co-operative play. Play apparatus is minimal and in need of additional resources.

Upgrade the school playground to provide an exciting environment which stimulates children's speaking, writing and spatial skills and develops imaginative play and social skills.

Develop an integrated plan for the playground which incorporates activity areas, new equipment, soft landscaping and quiet areas.

The expansion of the primary school curriculum has left the school with insufficient space for specialist activities and small group work. The school does not have sufficient storage space for classroom materials and specialist equipment nor for the increasing volume of administrative records generated.

Create new internal spaces which maximise teaching, learning and storage space.

Build flexible teaching and accessible storage areas. A proposed new building will house a new library, IT suite and small teaching area. Improve the boundary fence with an artist-designed; feature, which acts as an educational resource for the school and as a public artwork facing Bayliss Road. Ensure that the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circulation routes are improved and rationalised. It is envisaged that the new spaces will provide facilities for community use.

Plan Johanna Primary School playground

Play area by London Television Studios UDS new and improved community facilities

Problems

Aims

There are inadequate play facilities for children in the South Bank area.

To introduce an attractive and unique play facility appropriate to its location by the South Bank riverside walkway.

An increasing number of young children are living in the area because of new family housing built by Coin Street Community Builders. An increasing number of young children are visiting the area because of new 'family attractions' such as those at County Hall, the BA London Eye and the bfi IMAX cinema.

Proposals To create a new play area on the river walk adjacent to the London Television studios.

Emma Cons Gardens/ Webber Street

UDS

new and improved community facilities

Problems

Aims

Proposals

This park is largely surfaced with asphalt which discourages people from using it and it has increasing been occupied by drugs and alcohol users.

Upgrade the garden environment and planting.

Place cafe/ theatre ticket office booth in the gardens to give more activity and supervision of the space and a connection to the theatre.

Webber street is a one-way rat run for vehicles. The setting of the Old Vic is particularly cramped with negligible external space for patrons to congregate and enter or exit the theatre.

Provide better connections with the Old Vic, Lower Marsh and the Millennium Green.

Upgrade similar surface treatments as the proposed pedestrianised section of Webber Street adjacent to the Old Vic.

Reduce traffic tuning into Cornwall Road from Webber Street.

Improve landscaping, lighting and street furniture.

Improve the public areas around the Old Vic.

Provide wide pedestrian crossing to the Old Vic.

Provide a suitable termination for Cornwall Road.

Provide either long delay or diagonal pedestrian cross to link to Millennium Green and Lower Marsh.

Improve the setting and access to the Old Vic.

Alter Cornwall Road to left-only exit. Stop up Webber Street except for emergency vehicles, service vehicles and cycles.

The Stamford Street Community Facility new and improved community facilities

UDS

Problems

Aims

Proposals

There is a demonstrable need for improved community facilities in the South Bank area. The South Bank Employers' Group and Coin Street Community Builders have been developing an active programme of participation and engagement for people living in the area, and for locally based workers, to encourage five main strands of activity:

It is currently envisaged that this programme will develop into a significant community facility located behind the Iroko Housing scheme on Stamford Street. Further feasibility work and consultation is required to determine the scale of any potential capital development.

Development and feasibility work is currently underway that will:

• Increasing employment and learning opportunities enabling people to broaden their skills, experience and knowledge, for work and for enjoyment; • Better community facilities, enabling community initiatives, social and cultural events as well as access to leisure, sports and related activities; • Developing digital and communication skills, offering people access to a wider range of information, creative and work possibilities; • Providing facilities and support for parents and carers of children and young people - with childcare and other social activities; • Participation in creative activities.

• Develop the pre-opening programme, which may deliver training opportunities for local residents, and family and childcare services prior to the construction of the Stamford Street facility. • Create a business plan, operating model and cashflow for the community facilities proposal, which will form the basis of a subsequent fundraising and advocacy programme and funding negotiations. • Obtain professional advice on the proposed capital scheme from cost consultants and architectural advisors. • Develop a community strategy and facilitate consultation with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders South Bank Employers' Group and Coin Street Community Builders are jointly leading the programme, which is being funded by the Waterloo Project Board.

Plan The Stamford Street Facility

Iroko Housing Co-operative

Coin Street

proposed Stamford Street facility

Stamford Street

Waterloo Millennium Green/ Youth Resource Centre new and improved community facilities

Problems

Proposals

The South Bank is short of green open space, play facilities and facilities specifically designed for youth.

A partnership between Waterloo Community Development Group, Lambeth Council and Blackfriars Settlement instigated the project to regenerate the area known as Baylis Rd Open Space. To date this has achieved the creation and opening of the Waterloo Millennium Green in May 2001.

Aims To create a 'village green', play facilities and a Youth Resource Centre.

Waterloo Community Charity has been established to take on the management of the Green and the development and completion of the project. The latest partnership between Waterloo Community Charity, London Borough of Lambeth and Blackfriars Settlement is very close to completing construction of a first rate play facility on the site. The South Bank Youth Resource Centre, situated on the Southern corner of the site is nearing completion and should be open by April 2002.

UDS

Hatfields

UDS

new and improved community facilities

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The area lacks suitable outdoor sports and play facilities.

Create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for this part of the neighbourhood with linked public green spaces/outdoor sports facilities.

Re-landscape whole green area. Prune and/or remove some of the existing trees to allow more sunlight to reach the ground.

Existing 'playground' on Hatfields is derelict and needing major refurbishment. Peabody Estate is separated from this green space by a brick wall, which does not encourage its use and does not help people to 'take possession' of the space.

Enhance the impact of open/green spaces, by linking them visually and physically making the whole greater than the sum of the parts.

Remove the wall with the Peabody estate, and replace with a more transparent fence if required for security reasons. This will also give more expansive views from ground floor flats facing the Hatfields site. Refurbish existing outdoor courts to north end of the site, and encourage their use for outdoor sports managed by the Colombo Centre. Resurface and improve paving along whole length of road and pavement between Stamford St and The Cut. Introduce better street furniture and lighting. Create new landscaped playground area.

Plan Hatfields

refurbished outdoor sports court

relandscaped playground and green space

wall removed between peabody estate and green area

improved paving and surfacing to street, and better lighting and street furniture

contemporary art inside arches of viaduct street (see project 14)

Milroy Walk/Rennie Street

UDS

improved shopping

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Milroy Walk currently holds few retail tenants and attracts few shoppers. It is not an attractive environment and is hidden from the surrounding streets.

Enliven street frontages to Stamford Street, Rennie Street and Upper Ground.

Open large areas of glazed facade to Rennie Street, effectively turning Milroy Walk â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inside outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Provide glazed canopy to part of street.

Rennie Street is currently used mainly as a delivery and service zone for the buildings on either side.

Create a more logical balance between retail and service zones by placing retail activity on Rennie Street and service zones to the interior of the block. Attract retail tenants back to the area and increase financial value of the retail units.

Provide lettable, large remodelled central zone beneath Rennie Court (1500 sq m approx). Main facade to Rennie Street and deliveries to existing service lane to rear. North and south entrances to Millroy Walk to remain accessible as fire escapes and servicing to central zone. Provide a zone for market stall holders at the south facing entrance to Milroy Walk on Stamford Street Remove wall infill on corner of Rennie Street/Stamford Street and glaze facade for restaurant/bar operation.

Plan Milroy Walk/Rennie Street

rear of large retail units to use existing service access

facade to Rennie Street to be entirely opened and glazed glazed canopy

open facades also to stamford street possible site for market stalls

Relocation of Cornwall Road Bus Depot left over spaces and dead frontages

UDS

Cornwall Road bus depot

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The buses cause significant environmental problems of noise and fumes particularly to the neighbouring housing.

Permanently remove buses from this location.

Relocate the bus depot into Waterloo Station.

Redevelop the site with a more appropriate mix of uses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eg. housing/affordable housing, commercial or possibly arts uses to support the Old Vic/Young Vic presence.

Redevelop the site into housing above commercial/ arts uses.

The existing bus depot blights an important site in the south of the area of study. Bus movements to and from the depot significantly increase traffic movements on relatively minor roads.

Provide a better street frontage to Cornwall Road and better outlook from neighbouring housing. Provide an alternative location for buses in the locality.

Provide additional public street frontages on Cornwall Road.

Plan Relocation of Cornwall Road Bus Depot

existing site of bus depot on Cornwall Road

aerial view of bus depot, showing density of buses on a site that could be used more beneficially

Use of viaduct arches where empty

UDS

left over spaces and dead frontages

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The railway viaduct is a barrier, hindering movement and development in the area.

Create connections between the zones on either side of the viaduct.

Clean up and the repair the existing structure of the viaduct arches

Open up and renovate disused arches. Arches currently containing small businesses are not included in this proposal.

Replace existing facades with fully glazed frontages to give maximum natural illumination to the interior.

Some of the archways beneath viaducts are derelict and are a negative influence on the area. (The area marked on the overleaf key plan shows a zone where only some of the arches are derelict).

Insert essential services such as ventilation, heating, lighting, and drainage. This will allow a wide variety of tenants to occupy the space. Landscape the zones directly in front of the arches and create a planted threshold, where the internal functions could use the external space where required.

Plan Use of viaduct arches where empty

IBM to Westminster Bridge

UDS

riverside walkway

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Problems

Aims

Proposals

The state of repair of the riverwalk is poor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many paving stones are cracked or lifted by tree roots. The existing dolphin lights are in poor repair and have different coloured sources.

Provide an enhanced lighting scheme for the riverwalk.

Repair substructure to riverside walkway and replace with new paving.

Provide enhanced facilities for pedestrians appropriate to the setting.

Revamp and refurbish the existing dolphin columns with a uniform source. Provide lighting under benches to the central area of the riverside walkway.

Glare from the festoon lights blocks views out to the river and the other side of the city. Lighting at the rear of the riverwalk is patchy and of low quality especially at the base of LWT.

Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Bridge riverside walkway

UDS

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The state of repair of the riverwalk is poor - many paving stones are cracked, the existing dolphin lights are in poor repair and have different coloured sources.

Provide an enhanced lighting scheme for a length of the riverwalk to celebrate this special area and the extraordinary view.

Repair substructure to riverside walkway and replace with new paving.

Glare from the festoon lights blocks views out to the river and the other side of the city. Lighting at the rear of the riverwalk is patchy and of low quality especially at the base of St Thomas' Hospital.

Encourage visitor movement from London Eye/ County Hall towards Vauxhall. To the landward side, highlight the hospital and increase its attraction and security at night. Provide enhanced facilities for pedestrians appropriate to the setting.

Revamp and refurbish the existing dolphin columns with a uniform source. Provide lighting under benches to the central area of the riverside walkway. Remove existing festoon lighting to the river edge. Provide special feature lighting to the buildings and spaces around St Thomas' Hospital particularly the landscaped green areas adjacent to Westminster and Lambeth Bridges.

Green Route LWT/IBM

UDS

riverside walkway

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Access between Upper Ground and the riverside walkway is difficult due to a sequence of large buildings forming a barrier.

Increase possibilities for public access between upper ground and the river.

Remove dividing wall between LWT and IBM properties.

Open views between upper ground and the riverside walkway.

Create large areas of planting while retaining some existing trees, and pave a wide walkway in high quality materials.

The space between LWT and IBM has restricted access, is underused and is unnecessarily divided by a wall.

Facilitate access and shelter for studio audiences and users of the proposed restaurant at LWT. Allow a greater variety of office letting opportunities to the IBM building by improving access to the side entrance. Give a new area of green space to south bank.

Improve fire access and servicing between Upper Ground and the riverside walkway. Integrate landscaping with proposed lifts, stairs and audience canopies at LWT. New public access to this route to be developed in conjuction with LWT proposals to relocate all servicing and delivery vehicles to the east side of the building. Introduce street furniture and lighting, and integrate with proposed kiosks on riverside walkway.

Plan Green Route LWT/IBM

refreshment kiosk

entrance and lifts to restaurant

new canopies removal of wall between properties new access new entrance to LWT studios

street furniture and lighting

new and retained trees

side entrance to ibm building

Lambeth Palace Gateway

UDS

riverside walkway

Problems

Aims

Proposals

Pedestrian subways below Lambeth Bridge and Albert Embankment are poor quality and dimly lit.

Link the riverside walkway to the forecourt of Lambeth palace.

Improve hard landscape and pedestrian subways to the riverside walkway.

Forecourt to Lambeth Palace is in a state of disrepair. Noise and pollution from traffic are particularly problematic for pedestrians.

Respond to strategic location by creating a specific, recognisiable landscape. Reduce impact of traffic on pedestrians.

Narrow Lambeth Palace Road to two lanes (see project 8) and construct a continuous ground surface from the riverside walkway to Lambeth Palace and St Mary of Lambeth Church (now The Museum of Garden History). Define road edge to this zone by bollards or similar. Restrict amount and type of traffic using this route (see proposed road hierarchy). Creatively illuminate Lambeth Palace and the church at night. Accentuate side entrance to Lambeth Palace (proposed public entrance to the Palace). Investigate restoration of arched entrance to Lambeth Palace (now hidden by substation)- see project 4 Provide street lighting and furniture.

Plan Lambeth Palace Gateway

accentuate side entrance to Palace

improved pedestrian crossings

continuous ground surface between river edge and Lambeth Palace improved riverside walkway underpasses

additional proposals by SBEG members

Shell Centre Redevelopment, Belvedere Rd UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The ground plane of the Shell Centre Site provides limited public amenity in the form of transitional spaces for pedestrian movement. The external spaces are bleak and hostile and offer no reason for the pedestrian to linger.

The development aims to support the sustainable development of the site and to re-invent the property as a civic and corporate amenity.

A range of soft and hard landscape treatments are proposed for the courtyard and surrounding streetscapes which respond to their location and the functions that occur around them.

The courtyard and surrounding streets are poorly landscaped and provide minimal external lighting and represent a missed opportunity for contributing to the public realm. The pedestrian routes from Waterloo Station to the river are confusing and lack an identity that matches their significance. The pedestrian links incorporate many changes in level thereby not providing equal access to all. There is a general lack of public cycling facilities and access to public transport is poorly marked within the site.

The site will be developed to improve the quality and safety of the publicly accessible spaces, increase permeability and improve ease of access across the site and links to the surrounding area. Creation of a quality and vibrant environment where public & private activities are balanced. The regeneration of the site will support maximising sustainable transport modes through improved facilities and awareness.

Publicly accessible pedestrian routes will be provided through the courtyard and via a newly created enclosed street which will link York Rd & Belvedere Rd for all users including disabled users and people with pushchairs. Improved public and employee facilities will be provided for cyclists. A partnership will be established with London Borough of Lambeth, local employers and transport operators to implement a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Green Travel Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The Project Team is working in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth, Statutory Consultees and Community Groups to achieve planning consent during 2002 for the application that was submitted in September 2001. The project is subject to s106 negotiations. The Project Team is to continue to work within the framework of existing initiatives such as Transforming the South Bank to ensure synergies are achieved through the delivery of the various projects.

Plan Shell Centre Redevelopment, Belvedere Road

Shell Centre Redevelopment, Belvedere Road UDS Improved shopping

Problems

Aims

Proposals

The level of retail and leisure amenity within the area, particularly with regard to the retail provision is currently considered to be low. There is a lack of quality food and supermarket facilities and those that do exist do not address the needs of the diverse range of groups within the local community.

The Retail proposals are aimed at meeting the requirement for additional retail floorspace in the South Bank. Based on market research these proposals cater for the various needs of the three primary groups: residents, employees and tourists within the area.

Create upto 30,000 sqm of retail, dining and leisure facilities.

There is a lack of street level animation and activated frontages within the Shell Centre and lack of co-ordination and consistency in the approach to estate management.

The development also seeks to complement the vitality and viability of the existing facilities and attractions within the area and contribute to the effective ongoing management of the area as a whole.

The retail provision will include a new metro supermarket and lifestyle retail such as book and music stores. A number of restaurant and catering units are proposed principally fronting onto Belvedere Rd and into the courtyard broadening the range of facilities available. Conversion of the basement area of the site to provide a 15,000 sqm health and fitness facility, accessed from Belvedere Rd. The Development intends to play a proactive role in the enhancement of the local Town Centre Management initiatives. The Project Team is working in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth, Statutory Consultees and Community Groups to achieve planning consent during 2002 for the application that was submitted in September 2001. The project is subject to s106 negotiations. The Project Team is to continue to work with local businesses and organisations to ensure synergies are achieved through the delivery of the various projects.

Royal Festival Hall UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problem

Aims

Proposals

The Grade 1 listed Royal Festival Hall (RFH) has hosted 60 million visits since it opened in 1951 yet, no major investment has been made to it’s fabric or surrounding area in over 40 years.

Restore the building’s original entrances.

Remove riverside access road and landscape it creating better public access from Queen’s Walk.

Facilities have fallen behind international competitors. Services and fabric are showing wear. Access to the building is confusing and unwelcoming, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. Pedestrians have to cross service routes and delivery yards to access the building.

Improve access to and within the building. Separate pedestrians from service vehicles. Reinstate and enliven the outside spaces. Restore all the internal public spaces. Fully restore the Grade 1 listed building.

New integrated lift, stair and ramp access off the new Hungerford Bridge on to the RFH Terrace and Queen’s Walk (removal of spiral staircase). New wide staircase with adjacent lift off the RFH Terrace into Festival Square at Belvedere Road (removal of spiral staircase). New Arts Café opening out to a re-landscaped Festival Square on Belvedere Road. Re-establish the doors opposite the Hayward Gallery as the main entrance served by a new public square. Open up public use the roof terraces and restore the interval bars by moving staff to an extension building Note: The Royal Festival Hall is one of three schemes/sites that form part of the Rick Mather Masterplan. Please also see following pages for Hungerford Car Park/ Jubilee Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Hall/ Purcell Room/Hayward Gallery/National Film Theatre.

Lambeth Council is currently considering two detailed planning applications for the Royal Festival Hall submitted by SBC.

Hungerford Car Park and Jubilee Gardens UDS environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problem

Aims

The Hungerford Car Park provides essential servicing, operational and public car parking for the South Bank arts complex. But it is an eyesore and a gross under utilisation of a prime London riverside site.

To create a world class riverside park that:

Jubilee Gardens has been temporarily re-landscaped pending resolution of the SBC masterplan. Queen’s Walk, the riverside foortpath, from IBM to County Hall is in a poor state of repair. Increase wear and tear caused by the growth in visits from 6 million to 9 million a year.

• meets the needs of visitors, local residents and workers • integrates with Shell’s redevelopment proposals • relates in an appropriate way with the BA London Eye • integrates with SBC’s cultural development on the Hungerford Car Park site • facilitates the level pedestrian route from Trafalgar Square off Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo Station. • Relates in an appropriate way to Belvedere Road and Queen’s Walk

Proposals A sculptured park that will; • maximise green space • provide local residents and workers with quiet spaces • create a natural amphitheatre for outdoor events, • provide magnificent views of the river • discourage it being used simply as a short cut to the BA London Eye

A possible low rise building alongside Hungerford Bridge to screen the park from the railway and facilitate a high level pedestrian link from Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo Station. A three phased refurbishment of Queen’s Walk, including new paving, railings, street furniture and public art. Note: The Hungerford Car Park / Jubilee Gardens project is one of three sites / schemes that from part of the Rick Mather masterplan. Also see pages Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elisabeth Hall / Purcell Room / Hayward Gallery / National Film Theatre.

SBC will finalise the master plan framework and the cultural and commercial uses within the site in early 2002. The new Jubilee Gardens and Queen’s Walk could be the first phase. SBC is considering a not-forprofit trust for the ownership and management of Jubilee Gardens in partnership with neighbouring landowners and the local community.

Queen Elizabeth Hall / Purcell Room / Hayward Gallery / National Film Theatre environment, transport & pedestrian access

Problem

Aims

No major investment in 40 years.

To create two world-class performance venues; one for classical music and one for amplified sound.

Buildings no longer fit for international artistic purposes. Entrances hidden from main pedestrian routes Poor access, facilities and service standards. Need for the British Film Institute (bfi) to bring together all its public facilities into one site. Museum of Moving Image closed due to lack of space.

To create a world class gallery for contemporary art exhibitions and public access to the Arts Council Collection of British contemporary art. To create a world-class film centre. To integrate this part of the cultural complex with the surrounding area.

UDS

Leave open to architectural competition whether the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room are adapted and refurbished or replaced by two new buildings on the current site or elsewhere on the SBC estate. Within SBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate, design a new Film Centre comprising five screens, Museum of the Moving Image, temporary exhibition area, film archive and education centre. Note: The Queen Elizabeth Hall / Purcell Room / Hayward Gallery / National Film Theatre is one of three schemes / sites that

To create an accessible and welcoming environment that will attract people to visit and extend their stay on the South Bank.

The site has dark and threatening undercrofts and windswept terraces.

Proposals Bring all entrances down to ground level. Relocate the current service lane to the side of Waterloo Bridge to create a new public square in front of the Royal Festival Hall. Create a new building alongside Waterloo Bridge to provide active street frontage and a new pedestrian route through the complex. Refurbish the Hayward Gallery within its existing footprint.

form part of the Rick Mather masterplan. Also see previous pages for Royal Festival Hall and Hungerford Car Park / Jubilee Gardens.

SBC will work in partnership with the bfi, which has appointed David Chipperfield Archtiects, to design the new Film Centre. SBC will finalise its masterplan early in 2002. This will determine the location and nature of cultural facilities within the SBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate.

Doon Street Swimming Pool & Health Facility UDS new and improved community facilities

Problem

Aims

Proposals

A survey of South Bank and Bankside residents was carried out by MORI on behalf of the South Bank Employers' Group and Coin Street Community Builders in 1999. The research demonstrated that 66% of local residents felt that local swimming facilities would be desirable, 62% felt that indoor sports and fitness facilities would be useful and 84% of residents felt that improved healthcare facilities would be a useful addition to services in the area. SBEG and Coin Street aim to respond to residents' needs by investigating the feasibility of swimming and dry-side sports facilities to be located at Doon Street.

A pre-feasibility study already undertaken by McAlpine Thorpe Warrior has demonstrated that there is a good case for a 25m 6-lane community swimming pool together with a learner pool at the Doon Street Site. Five primary schools and one secondary school would use the pool, which could could attract some 250,000 visits a year from local residents, office workers, students and tourists.

The MTW report recommends that a more detailed feasibility is now required to support the initial research, including: • Further market research among local employers, residents and students to refine likely usage levels. • The consideration of adding Dry Sports facilities to the concept. • Consideration of potential funding sources and testing various financial models. • Consideration of the ownership and management vehicle for the project. • Business Planning for the recommended option. The report recommends that this detailed feasibility work is undertaken in conjunction with a technical team of architects, quantity surveyors and building services engineers. South Bank Employers' Group and Coin Street Community Builders are jointly leading this project, which is being funded by the Waterloo Project Board.

Pocket Park on Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site UDS new and improved community facilities

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Aims

Proposals

To create a new public space when redeveloping the Stamford House and Drury House buildings.

A quiet and calm urban space for use by all and managed and maintained by the building owners. A raised plaza zone will be formed with access at street level near the main entrance facing Blackfriars Bridge. The park itself will be constructed above street level with steps and ramped paved access from Rennie Street. Proper management will ensure that the space is not abused and there will be gates that will control access at night. Before the open space is brought into use, surveillance cameras are required to be installed in accordance with details approved by the Planning Authority.