Strand Aldwych and Hanover Square - Civic Trust Awards

We are delighted and very proud to announce that two of our projects, Hanover Square and Strand Aldwych, have been recognised by the Civic Trust Awards.

Hanover Square: Highly Commended

Hanover Square, a historic Georgian garden square in Mayfair, has been enhanced through a comprehensive public realm and traffic management improvement program. The project also involved designing kerbside waiting and loading, vehicle and cyclist movement, servicing, pedestrian crossings, and supporting public consultation and business case development.

Hanover Square was Highly Commended, with judges praising the project as “a successful blend of public realm enhancements and architectural place-making, transforming the site into a modern, varied, and engaging urban environment.” This project was a collaborative effort with Westminster City Council and New West End Company.

Strand Aldwych: Civic Trust Award Winner

Strand Aldwych was honoured with a Civic Trust Award. This revitalisation project, developed by Publica and NRP on behalf of The Northbank Business Improvement District (BID) LTD and delivered by Westminster City Council, stands as a testament to the transformative power of urban planning and design.

Since reopening in December 2022, the Strand has become a protected public space and pedestrian & cycle zone featuring biodiverse planting, rain gardens and communal dining. The area now fosters vibrant street life, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community engagement. St Mary-le-Strand Church now hosts concerts without traffic noise, and air quality has significantly improved. Traffic levels have decreased, walking and cycling have increased, and collisions and their severity have been halved.

The judges noted, “the success of this project should inspire other urban planners to prioritise sustainability, accessibility, and community impact in their endeavours, creating spaces that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.”

A heartfelt thank you to the Civic Trust Awards for this incredible honour, and congratulations to all the winners and nominees.