Better streets, better life
There is no doubt the Council has made a substantial investment in the
streetscape. There are fewer signs, less street furniture and many new
pavements. But what difference has it made? And what can the Council do to
continue the transformation it has started?
Safeguarding a legacy
Sir Thomas More, Henry VIII, William III, Sir Hans Sloane and William
Phillimore have all made their mark on Kensington and Chelsea. Its distinctive
streets include terraces in Italianate, Gothic and Queen Anne Revival styles of
architecture. Then there is Harrods, Portobello Market, the iconic Trellick
Tower, Imperial College and a host of world-famous museums.
The borough also has more than 100 private garden squares. Its public spaces,
including Holland Park, Kensington Memorial Park and Kensington Gardens, are
among the best in the country.
The Council has recognised it has a key role in securing the future of these
assets. Its job is to safeguard the environment, and to revitalise the borough's
heritage, but also it has to respond to new traffic and parking challenges. Its
response to this challenge has been careful and considered.
Bucking the trend
Restoring the borough's streetscape has meant bucking the trend for the
Council. It has challenged conventional thinking that has led to the plethora of
signs, road markings, street furniture, telephone kiosks and cable TV boxes that
litter the streetscape elsewhere.
Instead it has pioneered a 'less is more' culture, introducing minimalist
schemes. It has adopted a holistic approach with guiding principles that
include:
- Signs, road markings and street furniture kept to a minimum
- Investment in quality materials and workmanship
- Co-ordinated designs and colours
Paving the way
From the start the Council has been confident that its approach - clear
signage, high quality paving, better street lighting and the preservation of
historic features such as post boxes and drinking fountains - would make a
significant difference to the streetscape.
However, the impact on the borough has surprised even the Council. Local
café culture has exploded since the return of simple, classically designed
street furniture, the removal of barriers and clutter. Once again it has become
easy to move freely along the street as a pedestrian, a bicyclist and a
motorist.
Leading architects Sir Terry Farrell and Lord Rogers endorse this view while
the Council points to the results:
Kensington High Street - much has already been written about this
project, but the fact remains that the High Street has been resurrected. The
Council's investment in imaginative urban designs that challenged convention has
been critical to the High Street's continued prosperity. More than 20 councils
and private companies have visited the project.
Kensington Gate - transforming a corner of historic Kensington into a
stunning example of small-scale urban design, this project includes a 10-foot
bronze sculpture, Unfurl by Eilis O'Connell.
Freston Road - a dilapidated site, used at one time for external shots
of TV's Steptoe and Son, is now home to an elegant office building with a square
outside with silver birch trees and hardwood seating. A café has also been
incorporated into the scheme.
Britain in Bloom - the borough finished runner-up in the City category
of the Britain in Bloom finals this year. Singled out for praise were its parks
and its enviable environment. The award highlights the cooperation between
different arms of the Council and residents as parks, open spaces and private
properties blend to complement the overall streetscape.
What comes next?
The Council is keen to continue the good work it has started. It wants to
ensure the future prosperity of its shopping and entertainment districts. It
wants to deliver the benefits of a revived streetscape to more residents and
more visitors.
The schemes delivered so far are the tip of the iceberg. Major projects are
under development, with the Council leading an exciting project that is set to
transform Exhibition Road, and prospects for a new, improved Sloane Square
taking shape. A study of opportunities in Golborne Road is underway while
drawings are already on the table aimed at creating a more pleasant and friendly
environment at the World's End Estate.
Spreading the word
At the same time other examples of good practice continue all over Kensington
and Chelsea. But the Council's imaginative and practical approach to urban
design does not stop there. Its work on Kensington High Street and other schemes
has led to the development of a consistent set of standards. The result is a
Streetscape Guide - a manual for planners, engineers and everyone else involved
in such schemes - to ensure future projects in the borough consistently follow
good practice.
Other boroughs, architects and urban designers have taken note. It has become
clear that the Council has gone beyond just a careful stewardship of the
streetscape. It has started a quiet revolution.
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