Space craft:
the City’s Street Scene improvement programme
In 2003, the City of London Corporation set up its Street Scene Challenge; a scheme devised to manage the appearance of City streets, enhance the public realm and street level environment and facilitate the flow of both pedestrian and motor traffic.
To date, the scheme has seen the creation of 40,000 sqm of new and improved public space; that’s equivalent to over six football pitches (an impressive amount, given the City’s size). Over 200 trees have been planted too; a large number of artworks, fountains and installations have been commissioned to provide focal points within the spaces; and hundreds of new seats and benches have been installed so that people can relax and enjoy the area they are visiting.
The spaces vary between classical and contemporary design and a number have won awards, these include Monument and Old Bailey
The City is on track to invest a further £7m a year over the next five years into improving its streets and spaces through this programme. This includes a major new scheme to the south of St Paul’s Cathedral and Cheapside focused on catering for visitors and the influx of shoppers expected when One New Change and the other shopping developments in this area are complete.
Three schemes to look out for
Old Bailey
A new public space has been created from a traffic island and redundant space following street works that reduced the width of the carriageway. Opened by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the scheme at Old Bailey was designed by landscape architects Burns + Nice. It includes an oval water feature as the central focal point, three raised granite terrace areas, stone and wood seating and the planting of London plane trees. Paved in natural stone and enclosed by linear stone planters, the scheme has reclaimed over 1,000 sqm of highway from traffic.
The Monument
A new public square has been created under The Monument, marking the extent of Wren’s original Monument Yard which ran between Fish Street Hill and Pudding Lane. The scheme sees part of Monument Street being pedestrianised; the pavement being resurfaced in York and Caithness stone and granite; construction of a shimmering glass pavilion; and an oak-decked garden being suspended over a derelict basement.
The pavilion has been designed by bere:architects and has over 100 pieces of angled mirrored glass on the roof reflecting the flaming golden orb at the top of The Monument. This will provide a great view for those who climb the 311 steps to the top of the stone column and look back down onto the square, when The Monument reopens (following essential maintenance and refurbishment works) later this year. Progress of The Monument refurbishment can be followed at a dedicated website www.themonument.info
Cheapside
To support its development as a major new retail centre, a £3-4m plan to enhance Cheapside’s street scene has been proposed. The plan – which is currently undergoing public consultation (June 2008) dovetails with other street enhancement projects in the area including those at Foster Lane, the Milk Street Area, Wood Street, Bow Churchyard and Bow Lane. It sees the planting of trees and the installation of street furniture and improved lighting. In order to accommodate the expected increase in the number of shoppers as more outlets open, it is also proposed that the carriageway is narrowed and footpaths widened by three metres each side. Not only will this reduce traffic flow and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street, the new uncluttered and flexible street space will allow hosting of a range of cultural activities, making the new Cheapside area a first class retail and leisure destination that can be enjoyed by all.
