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.