Great Guildford Street

Witherford Watson Mann architects have been commissioned by Better Bankside to deliver a streetscape design for the section of Great Guildford Street from Southwark Street northwards to Tate Modern. The project is part of the Bankside Urban Forest framework.

The improvements will seek to address pressures on the street from delivery traffic and pedestrian footfall due to increased activity from recent development in the area. Further demands are anticipated as visitor footfall figures increase when developments such as Bankside Mix, Tate Modern 2 and Project Bankside are completed.

Project aims and objectives

The project aims to

• Provide a high quality public space that balances the needs of pedestrians and vehicles
• Improve the connection between the Riverside Walkway, Bankside Mix and Southwark Street
• Improve the interface with surrounding buildings and green spaces
• Improve safety along Great Guildford Street by reducing traffic speeds

The project will look to reduce the dominance of vehicular movement in the area through the use of shared surfaces. The pedestrian environment will also be improved through opportunities to green along the route and create open space. Ultimately, the link from the riverside southwards to the Bankside hinterland, and in the longer term to Elephant and Castle, will be more pedestrian friendly.

Consultation

The first phase of consultation is underway. Southwark Council, major land owners in the area including Tate, Land Securities and the City of London and local residents are all helping to shape the proposals.

The next steps

Outline designs are currently being finalised. Then the design team will start developing more detailed designs.

For further information please contact Valerie Beirne, Bankside urban forest manager at vb@betterbankside.co.uk or phone 020 7928 3998.