10 May 2021
Be a part of the new traffic-free Strand
Help shape how the new public space is used for years to come
As part of an ambitious redevelopment, Westminster City Council is pedestrianising the Strand from Surrey Street to Waterloo Bridge. Read on to find out how you can be a part of shaping the use of this traffic-free public space for years to come.
Known as Strand/Aldwych, this new scheme will transform the area into a space that puts people first. Instead of cars and couriers, the Strand will be filled with trees, lawns and meeting spots. This also means that the two halves of the Strand campus will, for the first time, be one. Finally, no more waiting at traffic lights.
This is all set to begin in August 2021, when cars will be diverted away from the area. Then, from October 2021 to the end of 2022, a temporary infrastructure will be installed to create a ‘Meanwhile’ space.
Who’s who
The Strand/Aldwych Board, chaired by the Northbank Bid, is made up of local stakeholders including King’s, Somerset House Trust, the Courtauld Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, St Mary le Strand, the Society of London Theatres, Transport for London, local hotels and others. The group worked together over the last three years to develop this new vision for a traffic-free Strand.
Read more about the history of the project and the public consultation
Meanwhile...
What happens once the cars disappear? This is in part up to you. As one of the stakeholders in the project, King’s will work with the council and our cultural neighbours to develop a programme of activities for this ‘Meanwhile’ space.
It is anticipated that these will directly benefit teaching, research and the student experience. Activities could range from practice-based research initiatives, outdoor teaching, student projects, impact and learning outcomes and community engagement projects.
Upcoming information events
In the coming weeks the Strand/Aldwych project team will run a series of information workshops. Please sign-up if you'd like to attend.
Delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals
King's College London has a long and proud history of serving the needs and aspirations of society. We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a university, and we use them as a framework for reporting on our social impact. The SDGs are a set of 17 goals approved by the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN) which aim to transform the world by 2030. This scheme supports SDGs 11 and 17.