Transforming London Waterloo: A Visionary Plan That Wins Global Recognition 

Recently recognised at the World Architecture Festival 2024 as a WAFX Smart Cities Winner, this visionary project demonstrates cutting-edge urban planning and design prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and community growth.  

Global Recognition for Excellence 

The masterplan, completed in Autumn 2023 and launched in March 2024, received prestigious recognition for its innovative approach to urban transformation. Celebrated for balancing functionality and sustainability, the design emphasises the seamless integration of transport, public spaces, and green infrastructure, setting a benchmark for urban regeneration projects worldwide. Our ambition, along with Network Rail, is to deliver:

Award-Winning Design Enhancements: A new southern concourse will improve passenger flow at one of London’s busiest transport hubs. This innovative design underscores the masterplan’s focus on accessibility and world-class functionality. 

Sustainable Connectivity: Over 40 new and improved walking and cycling routes, coupled with 15 revitalized gateways, will promote active travel and reduce reliance on vehicles, contributing to Lambeth’s low-carbon future. 

Greener Public Spaces: Hundreds of new trees and enhanced green spaces will beautify the area while promoting biodiversity and improving air quality, cementing the council’s commitment to sustainability.

Boosting Local Businesses: The project is strategically designed to support Lambeth’s thriving cultural, creative, and life sciences sectors, providing vital infrastructure for sustained economic growth.

What is happening right now

Lambeth Council is pleased to announce that they have commissioned 5^th Studio to deliver a creative wayfinding strategy that will improve connections, permeability and wayfinding in Waterloo and South Bank. It is the first commission to follow on from the Waterloo Station Vision which launched in March 2024.

The project will develop a Strategy and Delivery Plan, identifying innovative, deliverable and intuitive wayfinding, with the aim of improving the experience of thousands of residents, visitors and workers moving through Waterloo Station and the South Bank area every day.

With a particular focus on onward connections and journeys to and from Waterloo Station, the strategy will identify the potential and opportunity to enhance key existing routes, improving connectivity and permeability across the area, drawing on and celebrating the area’s cultural significance, character and identity.

Why This Matters to Lambeth 

This achievement underscores Lambeth’s ambition to deliver world-class urban transformation despite the council’s financial pressures. By strategically investing in projects like the Waterloo Station Masterplan, we’re ensuring that every pound spent maximises benefits for our communities.