Revealed: London’s famous Strand could go traffic free under £28m plans to turn one of capital’s most congested streets into green haven for pedestrians
- A 650-foot stretch of London’s Strand could be transformed under £28m plan by Westminster City Council
- Major thoroughfare in heart of city could become a public plaza complete with grass lawns and seating areas
- Meanwhile, Aldwych would be converted from a gyratory varying from three to five lanes to a two-way street
- More than 14m people visit Strand Aldwych area every year, making it a bottle-neck for buses, cars and vans
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A 650-foot stretch of London’s famous Strand could go traffic-free under clean air plans that would turn one of the capital’s most congested streets into a haven for pedestrians.
The £28million proposal by Westminster City Council could see the major thoroughfare in the heart of the city transformed into a public plaza complete with grass lawns and seating areas.
A public consultation on the ambitious proposals was launched today, with planners hoping that work on the pedestrianisation could start early next year, should it be given the final green light.
More than 14million people visit the Strand Aldwych area every year, making it a bottle-neck for buses, cars and vans travelling between the West End and the City.
The plans would be the roads which currently divulge around St Mary le Strand Church – which is situated in the middle of the Strand – torn up and paved over.
A 650-foot stretch of London’s famous Strand could go traffic-free under clean air plans that would turn one of the capital’s most congested streets into a haven for pedestrians
The plans would be the roads which currently divulge around St Mary le Strand Church (pictured) – which is situated in the middle of the Strand – torn up and paved over
The £28million proposal by Westminster City Council could see the major thoroughfare in the heart of the city transformed into a public plaza complete with grass lawns and seating areas
As part of the overhaul, Aldwych would be converted from a gyratory that varies from three to five lanes to a two-way street with several pedestrian crossings.
Landmarks such as Somerset House and King’s College London would become mainly accessible to the public from the plaza, transforming ‘Strand Aldwych into a world-class cultural and learning quarter’, the council said.
Councillor Richard Beddoe said: ‘This historic gateway into the West End is home to some of the capital’s most famous cultural and academic institutions, as well as a major leisure destination in its own right with landmark theatres, hotels and other attractions.
‘But the future success of the area is at risk because of traffic, poor air quality and inadequate public spaces. So working with local organisations we’ve developed some fresh ideas for the Strand Aldwych.
‘These concept designs have come together following a great deal of discussion with local groups and we now want to get as much feedback as possible.
‘Nothing is set in stone at this stage and we look forward to having constructive discussions as to how we can deliver a world-class scheme that benefits Westminster and London for many years to come.’
To see more on the consultation, visit strandaldwych.org
As part of the overhaul, Aldwych (pictured) would be converted from a gyratory that varies from three to five lanes to a two-way street with several pedestrian crossings
More than 14million people visit the Strand Aldwych area every year, making it a bottle-neck for buses, cars and vans travelling between the West End and the City.