What Changed?

1. The area outside Somerset House was transformed into a walkable, tree-lined space with public seating, performance zones, and space for art.
2. New seating areas, cycle lanes and cycle parking were created
3.  Footpaths were widened, new pedestrian crossings were added
4. 7000m² of green space created with 41 new trees.

Community Involvement

The transformation was led by Westminster Council and had strong community support; 73% of people consulted supported the change. Over seventy stakeholders were consulted and involved in a co-design process.

“The traffic jams of taxis and buses inching past Somerset House are long gone, and the ‘island church’ of St Mary le Strand is no longer marooned in a hostile sea of vehicles. Instead, it is the focal point for a new sequence of public spaces with seating galore.” – Pamela Buxton, architect

Outcomes

• A 56% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels over three years
• Thirty four bus routes successfully rerouted
• Aldwych became two-way with five new signalised pedestrian crossings
• 1,370m2 of biodiverse planting, supporting pollinating insects

Benefits

• A huge, central public space where people can breathe
• Used by King’s College students, office workers, tourists, and families
• Pop-up events and cultural programming keep it alive
• Safer, greener, quieter – right in the middle of London

Photos