Transforming The Strand: Creating a World-Class Public Space in London’s Historic Heart
Dating as far back as AD 190, Strand in Aldwych is one of London’s most famous and historic streets. Gateway to the capital’s Theatreland, the area is home to Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery, King’s College London, LSE, various High Commissions, Grade 1* Listed St Mary-le-Strand Church, St Clements Danes Church, as well as hotels, restaurants and local businesses. The outdated Aldwych gyratory was a notorious and dangerous interchange for traffic travelling between the City of London, London Borough of Camden and the West End, with very little and poor quality public spaces, lacking in safe provision for the high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists passing through the area every day.
NRP worked initially on the strategic vision for the area then developed concept highways design and traffic modelling and provided project managers for the delivery of a truly transformational Strand Aldwych scheme, which creates a world class, award-winning public space in London’s historic heart.
NRP Traffic & Transportation team initially worked with Publica on developing the Northbank BID public realm vision, which involved extensive research and initial feasibility appraisal of a range of low-medium cost and intervention schemes through to fully transformational, peninsularisation schemes for Strand Aldwych.
Location:
Central LondonSector:
Government and Public Sector
Working with Westminster Council, their design team (WSP, FM Conway, LDA) and the Joint Project Board and using our tried and tested option appraisal framework method developed through early engagement with key stakeholders including TfL, neighbouring LB Camden and City of London, walking, cycling, disability and public transport organisations, the NRP team then worked on designing the most ambitious option, aimed at creating a new world class public space covering some 7,000m2, London’s largest public realm project for over a decade.
Reconfiguring motor traffic and reallocating road space unlocked Strand-Aldwych’s potential, ensuring it met network performance standards and achieved an excellent Healthy Streets score through balanced active travel infrastructure. The design process involved local artists, accessibility consultants, lighting specialists, and over 70 stakeholders, setting a precedent for public-private partnerships. This collaborative approach continues with art installations, community events, and tours, attracting new audiences to the area.
NRP Project Management team worked with the JPB to drive key project outcomes and ensure plans were in place for the future of the area covering: place & identity; security, threat prevention, maintenance & operations; smart cities initiatives; sustainability; activation and curation, and; growth in the local economy.
In August 2021, following significant planning, traffic impact appraisal and coordination between many stakeholders, the switchover from a one-way gyratory to two-way traffic on Aldwych meant it became slower, safer and enhanced through many new and improved pedestrian crossing facilities, with new bus facilities and a quieter and cleaner walking and cycling environment. The working groups were essential to guiding the project through the COVID-19 pandemic, when a highly successful meanwhile space comprising seating, greening and activity space was delivered in response to budget impacts and to maintain project momentum.
Strand reopened in December 2022 and is now a protected public space and pedestrian & cycle zone, with biodiverse planting, rain gardens, communal dining, street lighting and an innovative HVM design that integrates into the space. People now sit chatting, snacking, reading, and for the first time, the street connects to the life going on around it, which in turn supports local businesses. St Mary-le-Strand Church is hosting concerts now that traffic noise has been eliminated and air quality is dramatically improved. Traffic levels are down, walking and cycling has increased and collisions and severity have been halved.
NRP is extremely proud to have worked on the Strand Aldwych scheme, which has received considerable recognition as an exemplar, world class project – epitomising the very highest standards of strategic planning, highway and public realm design, traffic modelling, public and road safety and smart, sustainable delivery and ongoing management. It has achieved considerable accolades, including Building London Planning Awards 2023, New London Award 2023, The Pineapple Awards 2023, CIHT Awards 2024 Highly Commended and Civic Trust Award 2024.
“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.”
