Consultation Summary
Consultation on the Design Concept
The public consultation on the concept design ran for 6 weeks from 30th January until 13th March 2019.
The aim of the consultation was:
- Ensure that everyone in the area has the opportunity to review the proposed plans and feedback their comments.
- Build awareness and support for the project through a meaningful engagement process.
- Seek feedback on the concept design and to highlight any issues to be taken forward into the next design stages.
Preferred concept design
Create a global cultural thinking quarter, International beacon of creativity, enterprise and learning.
- Better movement of traffic – improved journey times and safety for many routes by removing the gyratory, having two way traffic in Aldwych and removing it from part of the Strand
- Improve the public realm – creating an attractive public space on the Strand and a better pedestrian experience on Aldwych
- Improve links for walking and cycling – providing better connections to the surrounding area and improving safety for the 14 million people who visit each year
- Improve air quality – addressing air quality across the whole project area, reducing traffic in some areas, mitigating the effects of traffic in other areas and working with partners to influence, lobby and explore opportunities for positive change
- Support culture, education and innovation – creating opportunities to showcase the area’s wealth of cultural and educational talent and encouraging opportunities for collaboration
- Support the area’s economy – enhancing its vibrancy, productivity and creativity by celebrating its unique character
The Strand
Delivery of a new public space for the Strand that will animate and green the area, improving air quality and reflecting the creative institutions which surround it.
Aldwych
Creation of a two-way tree-lined vehicle boulevard supporting strategic movement and buses across the city. New crossings and widened footways will improve the pedestrian experience, while artistic interventions will provide pockets of activity.
Process
The consultation programme covered both online, printed and face-to face channels in order to encourage a broad range of responses from different groups including residents, visitors to the area and those who work or have businesses in the area.
- Six exhibitions were held throughout the consultation period at London School of Economics, St Mary le Strand church and King’s Student Union shop.
- Two on street engagements were held distributing leaflets.
- Online questionnaire
- Stakeholder workshop
- Opportunity to provide an email response
Who responded to the survey
- 56% Visitor
- 48% Local worker
- 10% Resident
- 3% Business
-
1% Organisation
/stakeholder - 1% Campaign group
- 10% Other
Participated
- 188 Exhibition
- 62 Stakeholders
- 1,424 Online survey
- 118 Emails
- 481 Face to face distribution
Consultation survey findings
Design concept
Most commented
Design concept
73% support the scheme
- Strong support for increased greening, improved air quality and enhanced pedestrian experience across the site.
- Many respondence believe that the design will improve the area's culture, education and innovation output.
- Significant support for the design to be more ambitious and innovative.
Air Quality
42% identify that air quality in the area is poor and that improvements are welcome.
Other main comments:
- Believe the proposal will improve air quality.
- Concerned the proposal might make it worse.
- Would like to see other air quality measure implemented
Economy
23% Identify that the proposal supports the local economy.
Other main comments:
- People will spend more money if the environment is a more pleasant place to visit with no vehicles and less pollution.
- The design myst support servicing and delivery requirements.
Walking and Cycling
42% would like to see better provision for cyclists, including safety, separate lanes and parking.
Other main comments:
- The design improves the experience for pedestrians.
- Concerns regarding cycle safety. Infrastructure needs to go further to support cyclists using the area.
- Access and safety for pedestrians across the Aldwych myst be strengthened.
Public Realm
46% of respondence commented on this theme. Of those that commented 1/3 identified that the public realm proposal will make the area healthier.
Other main comments:
- Would like to see the public realm increased.
- Support for increased trees, planting and seating.
- Proposal improves the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Proposal provide improved links with other nearby areas.
- The design myst be inclusive for all types of pedestrian users.
Traffic Movement
34% believe traffic levels must be reduced further.
Other main comments:
- Want the removal of all through traffic.
- Concerned that the Aldwych and surrounding areas will be negatively impacted by vehicles.
- The design supports public transport provisions.
- Safety and greener vehicles must be a priority.
- Support for the banning of parking in the area.
- 2% want to retain resident parking.
Culture, Education, Innovation
34% commented that they believed the proposal will improve the areas culture, education and innovation output.
Some suggest that:
- The scheme will not increase the areas cultural output.
- The proposal will improve the experience for students and access to culture.
Next steps
COMPLETED
RIBA Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief
RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design
Consultation
NEXT
RIBA Stage 3 – Developed Design (Current stage)
Public Engagement
RIBA Stage 4 – Technical Design
Planning and Consultation
RIBA Stage 5 – Construction
RIBA Stage 6 – Handover and Close Out
RIBA Stage 7 – In use
Thank you for your comments and continued interest in the project. All consultation responses will be considered as the scheme is developed through the detailed design stage and workstreams are refined. We will keep you updated on progress at key points on this website and showcase the detailed designs through a public engagement exercise early in 2020, highlighting how consultation comments have influenced the design.
