New London Architecture

Strand Aldwych - New London Awards 2023 Winner

Winner in the Public Spaces Category

Strand is an important London east/west route and has been since AD190. Aldwych is an early 20th century Parisian-style boulevard. Combined, they formed a heavily trafficked gyratory, which was failing the exceptional institutions which line Strand, including Grade 1* St Mary le Strand church, plus visitors, local businesses, pedestrians and cyclists. Used by 14 million people a year, Strand, south of Aldwych, was a polluted, hostile non-place. 

Altering traffic flow was key to creating a unique cultural space with room for nature. In 2021, traffic on Strand from Waterloo Bridge to St Clement Danes was removed. Hush fell. Aldwych was made two-way, slower and safer. Five new signalised pedestrian crossings were installed on desire lines. 

Strand reopened in December with new trees, lawns and views, communal dining, biodiverse planting, and rain gardens. People now sit chatting, snacking, reading, and for the first time, the street connects to the life going on around it.

Public Spaces Category Sponsor

Team credits

Client
Westminster City Council

Landscape Architect
LDA Design

Lead Designer
LDA Design

Transport Consultant
Norman Rourke Pryme

Transport Engineer
WSP

Lighting Designer
Michael Grubb Studio

Structural Engineer
WSP

Other
The Northbank BID

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