London's transport commissioner unveils flagship improvement project in Southwark

Salisbury Row, sandwiched between the Bricklayers Arms roundabout and Elephant and Castle, has long suffered from excess fast-moving traffic and disjointed pockets of green space.  

Now it has become another part of the area in north Southwark to benefit from regeneration, alongside the £2.5bn deal to regenerate the Elephant and Castle, which was signed in the summer.   

Already figures show a 58% reduction in vehicles travelling over 20mph in the Salisbury Row area, and a 71% overall reduction in traffic, while peak morning pedestrian numbers have increased across all the streets by 83%.  

Local residents were key to shaping the final look of the area. This includes closing sections of Darwin Street and Mason Street and transforming them into an extension of the park with cycle and pedestrian routes. The result is the joining of separate pieces of park land into a bigger Salisbury Park , which has become more inviting and accessible.  

Over 70 new trees, more than 3,600 plants and 7,500 bulbs have been planted, a new 'civic' zone for residents created, some one-way working streets and a 20 mph speed limit introduced throughout the whole scheme area. The improvements include a multi-coloured paving area in a closed off section of Townsend Street creating a new informal play space outside the local school.  

TfL contributed £1.7m towards the scheme which supports the Mayors' Better Streets initiative.  

The project was unveiled on 26 November by TfL's transport commissioner Peter Hendy, who hailed the project as a great example of giving the local community a voice. 

Peter Hendy, Commissioner at Transport for London (TfL) said: "I am delighted to see the improved look and feel of the streets, and I'm sure residents of Salisbury Row will be proud of the new surroundings, which are now safe, inviting and encourage the use of shared space. TfL is committed to help deliver projects that have local support and which also meet aspirations of the Mayor's Better Streets Programme, to make the capital a better and more attractive place to live and visit."  

Councillor Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, said: "This is a wonderful example of how we can engage with the local community, right from the start of a project, to keep them involved all the way. The results are fantastic, and already we're seeing how a smart, community-oriented design can make a huge difference to the safety and amenity of local residents. I'd particularly like to thank the local ward councillors who worked so tirelessly with the community to make this happen."  

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said: "The new look Salisbury Row is great, and I'm especially pleased to see that our Cleaner Greener Safer programme has contributed to its transformation, as this has been a really successful way for residents to improve their neighbourhoods. I'd like to congratulate everyone involved in this project on such a great looking part of the borough."  

Peter Wright, local resident and community campaigner said: "I'm really pleased with the changes that have been made to the area - they look fantastic. I've lived here for 12 years and know how much this area was in need of some help, and to have a neighbourhood that is noticeably safer and more pleasant is just great. " 

Phil Nicholls, Infrastructure Services Regional Director for South, East and London from Mouchel said: "We are exceptionally proud to be part of this successful partnership which has delivered a vision of an integrated environment, where car and community co-exist and local 'living' is enabled. It has been a pleasure to work with the local people so committed to the transformation of the new streets and spaces that are now so well used."  

Background

The Salisbury Row project was made possible thanks to a partnership of Southwark Council, its consultant Mouchel, Transport for London (TfL), Walworth Community Council and local residents.  

The separate improvement schemes in the Salisbury Row area include:  

• Streets for People (SfP) - Salisbury Row area based improvement scheme, construction
• Cleaner Greener Safer - Mardyke House Community Garden
• Cleaner Greener Safer - Paragon Gardens Improvements

Transport for London (TfL) has sponsored and monitored this project through its Streets for People Scheme. Since its inception, the council has continued to work closely with its consultant (Mouchel) and Transport for London (TfL), to ensure the project delivers its objectives.  

For more information, please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/salisburyrow  

Transport improvements to the area*

In 2006 26% of children came to Townsend Primary school by car. After the project was completed in 2010 only 9% of children came to school by car.  

The numbers of cars travelling over 20mph before the scheme was implemented was nearly 60% higher than current levels.  

*From the 2007/2010 Mouchel attitude survey. More figures available.