Raffaella Rospo, Project Director at WW+P, reflects on our webinar discussing transport infrastructure’s role in shaping community identity in London.

Transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping the economic and social fabric of urban areas. With London facing increasing demands for connectivity and housing, major projects such as the Elizabeth Line and the Bakerloo Line Extension are transforming the city’s transport landscape. 

By integrating transport with urban planning, these initiatives aim to create more accessible, sustainable, and economically vibrant communities. Recognising the significance of these developments, a recent webinar from NLA brought together experts to explore the far-reaching impact of large-scale infrastructure projects and transport-led urban regeneration.

Anthony Peter, Development Director at Related Argent, talked through the transformation of Brent Cross Town, emphasising the creation of a new town centre and the role of Brent Cross West station. He stressed that transport hubs serve as catalysts for regeneration but must be complemented by thoughtful urban planning to foster a strong sense of place. The station’s presence was crucial in justifying the site’s redevelopment, demonstrating how transport investment can drive long-term regeneration.

Stuart Croucher, currently at Mott MacDonald but previously urban designer for Crossrail, described the Elizabeth Line as a landmark project where integration efforts extended beyond just transportation improvements. It has transformed connectivity across London and the Southeast, significantly reducing journey times and enhancing accessibility, connecting millions of people and increasing access to jobs and education. New, fully accessible stations transform the public realm, unlocking new development and housing opportunities.

At WW+P, we played a significant role in the design and development of key Elizabeth Line stations. Our work on Woolwich Station and Paddington Station was integral to regeneration of each area, linking new and existing developments. The stations transformed the areas into well-connected urban hubs, fostering economic growth. At the heart of these projects was new civic open space, reconnecting the stations to the city and improving their settings. 

Another project WW+P is heavily involved with is the Bakerloo Line Extension (BLE); a topic that Gavin Miller, Director at MICA, discussed. Gavin spoke about how MICA’s early BLE studies showed it has the potential to unlock connectivity between South East and Central London, and is crucial in addressing London’s housing demand. With an estimated 80,000 new homes supported by the project, the extension will facilitate growth in housing and employment, supporting local economies, encouraging business investment, and reducing car dependency.

in June last year, WW+P was commissioned to develop feasibility studies for four stations. We drew from global best practices in metro planning to balance robust technical requirements with high-quality, walkable public spaces and seamless connectivity. Our designs looked to emphasise the seamless integration of station entrances with the surrounding urban fabric, maximising opportunities for over-station and adjacent-site development as well as passenger experience. We’re pleased that our work could see the progression of one of the most significant next programmes of regeneration in the region centred around transport-oriented development.

Caroline Mairs of London Borough of Hounslow joined the speakers for a panel, sharing her input on the West London Orbital project and emphasising its numerous benefits, including linking Hounslow to other boroughs, connecting communities, and reducing car dependency. Improved rail infrastructure not only promotes faster and more reliable travel but also boosts economic growth, encourages inward investment, and supports environmental sustainability. She highlighted that outdated infrastructure is a major barrier to investment, whereas good transport links increase an area’s attractiveness for development.

Sophie Rosier of Savills also joined the panel and underscored the importance of transport in enabling London’s projected population growth. As more people are forced to live further from employment centres due to housing costs, transport infrastructure becomes critical in bridging the gap and maintaining social mobility.

The panel noted that government funding for major transport projects is crucial, but the private sector can also bring in significant investment. For both sectors, aligning transport developments with community needs—not just shareholder interests—is essential. As land values rise around improved transport links, ensuring affordability for residents remains a concern. Policies such as affordable housing provisions and community investment programs are vital to maintaining social equity.

By aligning transport projects with urban planning and sustainability objectives, cities can foster inclusive growth, connectivity, and long-term economic resilience. As London continues to evolve, these projects serve as a model for integrating transport infrastructure into broader urban development strategies, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.