The Strand could be pedestrianised — well, 200 metres of it.
Proposals for a £28m pedestrianisation of the area around Aldwych would significantly cut — and in some places, almost outright ban — traffic. A raised lawn and planted area; 'activity zones'; new crossings and a 'pocket square' are part of the plans, backed by Westminster Council.
In short, what's currently an often-furiously-busy, multi-lane melee of central London traffic, could be tamed into an oasis for pedestrians and cyclists. Let's face it, up until now, how many delightful picnics have you had outside St Mary le Strand?
Says Westminster Council:
The area is home to an extraordinary number of cultural, educational, creative institutions and many businesses with established residential neighbourhoods nearby. However, the area also suffers from significant challenges — poor public spaces and safety, traffic congestion and air quality issues — which means those who live, work or visit get a poor experience.
We are now keen to hear from as many people, businesses and organisations as possible on these draft design ideas, so we can develop the best scheme for the area.
This is the same Westminster Council, mind you, which has put forward some pretty oblique 'pedestrianisation' plans for Oxford Street. But we can't knock an idea that would appear to stem traffic so substantially, making such landmarks as Somerset House, King’s College London, and the Courtauld Institute of Art, safer and more accessible.
The proposals are available to view at King’s College London (171 Strand), with the consultation open until 13 March 2019. Or check the proposals out on the Strand Aldwych website.
It's thought that works on the pedestrianisation could start as soon as 2020.
