Southwark Council to implement share of Mayor’s £4m access improvements to London's South Bank

The Mayor, working with Southwark and Lambeth Councils and local business and residents' groups, wants to ensure that during the summer of 2012 everyone visiting the capital, particularly those with accessibility needs, can enjoy the South Bank's many cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. This major investment will therefore leave a lasting legacy from the Games by making it much easier for people to access this historic, popular and special part of London.

When finalised, the plans will deliver many improvements along a two mile stretch of the riverside between Tower and Westminster Bridges . Key locations to benefit include Bankside, the Southwark Cathedral quarter and Clink Street , and the Globe theatre and Oxo Tower areas, which will see improved pavement layouts, better lighting and signage, increased seating, and more access ramps and handrails. 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 

" London is such an extraordinary place to visit with something different around every corner and the South Bank is no exception. Every year millions explore its many attractions stretching from Jubilee Gardens along to Borough market and beyond.

"Historically and by the nature of the way this swathe of riverside has developed over the centuries it has never been the easiest area to navigate for visitors, especially those with accessibility needs. By making some simple but crucial changes to its streets and wider public realm we will make it considerably more accessible in time for the London Games. What better legacy than to use this opportunity to open up this fantastic area for anyone and everyone to enjoy." 

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said:  

"This funding should make a massive difference to the lives of residents and visitors who have not been able to fully enjoy the route along the south bank of the river. We are going to work closely with all our partners and with the community to create a greatly enhanced experience along the Thames , which will be a valued and lasting legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics." 

Councillor Nigel Haselden, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport at Lambeth Council, said:  

"This is a fantastic opportunity to make lasting improvements to one of London 's most visited and historic areas. We are looking forward to working with Southwark and the GLA to make the area accessible and attractive for visitors in time for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond." 

Background Information

• About the Great Outdoors - London's Great Outdoors - A Manifesto for Public Space' is supported by two practical guides, 'Better Streets' and 'Better Green and Water Spaces'. Together they set out the Mayor of London's vision for improving public spaces in London . This will ensure that our streets, squares, parks and green and water spaces are fit for a great world city, are enjoyed by everyone who visits them and most importantly, help improve the quality of life in the capital. 
• The scheme will see more than £220 million invested in more than 50 public realm improvement projects, funding for which comes from Transport for London, the London Development Agency and London's boroughs as well as other sources. The measures include redesigned streets, which can be shared by both the pedestrians and vehicles, reclaimed derelict green spaces and underused waterways. 

• The works form a key part of the Mayor's plans to make the London 2012 Games the most inclusive and accessible ever held. As part of that drive the Mayor recently launched a new website - inclusivelondon.com - which enables people to search the accessibility features of hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, museums and tourist attractions, the 2012 Games venues and more. The user-friendly site, which will continue to run after the Games, allows people to post reviews and give feedback about the accessibility facilities offered by a place they have visited. 
• City Hall is working closely with the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark and key groups such as Better Bankside, Southbank Employers Group and Team London Bridge to ensure that this area meets the needs of both its visitors and businesses. 

• Final design work is currently being undertaken by architects Witherford Watson Mann and the improvements will leave a lasting legacy that will mean a vastly improved route that is accessible to all. 
• Across the full stretch of river measures are set to include: increased seating to allow people to enjoy river views, enhanced lighting, improved 'wayfinding' and signage, ramps and handrails, tactile paving, dropped kerbs or raised pavements where required. 
• A steering group of key stakeholders has been set up to ensure the project delivers on its aims and consults with local people and businesses. The group features representation from: Southwark Council, Lambeth Council, GLA, Design for London, Team London Bridge, Better Bankside, Coin Street Community Builders, South Bank Employers Group, Design for London, South Bank Centre, Tate Modern, LOCOG and the Government Olympic Executive. 
• Once final plans are agreed by all stakeholders works will be carried out by Lambeth Council and Southwark Council contractors. 

• Businesses are being encouraged to log on to inclusivelondon.com and sign-up so they can register their details and advertise the accessible facilities they offer. The plan is for the site to become a first port of call for people who will be planning a trip to the capital in 2012 and beyond.