Public realm design programme launched to support the South Bank as a better place to live, work, study and visit
Lambeth has commenced a project to reimagine and improve Upper Ground, Belvedere Road and its connections – including Concert Hall Approach (commonly known as the ‘Spine Route’) in London’s South Bank.
Following a competitive process, the Council has appointed a consortium led by urban designers, landscape architects and planners, LDA Design, to develop design proposals for the Spine Route. Designs will be informed by transport, movement and use analysis and stakeholder engagement and feedback.
The project will seek to balance and deliver against community, business and landowner priorities, as well as emerging longer-term strategic aspirations for the route – having regard to green infrastructure, improved air quality, accessibility, inclusivity, management, maintenance and future-proofing.
Lambeth Council is working in partnership with local stakeholders, including landowners, resident groups, South Bank Business Improvement District (BID), and South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG), who led the project undertaken in the 1990s. The 2018 South Bank Manifesto, produced by South Bank Partnership, identifies this project as a key priority under its Public Realm and Environment objectives.
Once designs are completed and approved, it is envisaged that Lambeth will progress with phased delivery from spring 2020, building on the momentum currently generated by other local projects – including the TfL led Waterloo City Hub scheme and Lambeth led improvements to Sandell Street, further contributing to positive change locally.