London's South Bank to undergo £3m revamp
Published 21 October 2011
Work is now underway on a multi-million pound makeover to London's South Bank in time for the 2012 Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, council bosses announced today.
Earlier this year Southwark Council secured £3million worth of funding from the Mayor of London to revamp a two-mile stretch of the riverside between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge.
Seven key locations including the Millennium Bridge , Bankside, Clink Street and the area around the Globe Theatre and Oxo Tower will benefit from new lighting, paving, seating and signage.
New ramps and hand rails will also be installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to access and enjoy the area's cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Tactile paving, dropped kerbs or raised pavements will also be fitted where required.
Across the full stretch of river measures are set to include:
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increased seating to allow people to enjoy river views
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enhanced lighting
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improved 'wayfinding' and signage
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ramps and handrails
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tactile paving
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dropped kerbs or raised pavements
Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said:
"I'm really pleased that work is about to start on this popular stretch of our borough. The improvements should make a massive difference to the lives of residents and visitors who have not been able to fully enjoy the route along the Southbank. Not only will the works create a greatly enhanced experience along the Thames , during the Olympics and Paralympics but they will leave a lasting legacy for residents and visitors for years to come."
Work is now underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2012.
In June tens of thousands of people are expected to line the Southbank to watch a 1,000 strong flotilla sail along the Thames to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee before the capital gears up for the London 2012 Games two months later.
Background Information
Southwark Council is working closely with City Hall, Lambeth Council 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.
