Issue 05: October 2004
Kensington and Chelsea has a reputation for exceptional
conservation of its heritage. Its impressive streetscape is one of
the best in the country. But as the most densely populated borough
in Western Europe, traffic and parking have become major issues.
The Council's response to these challenges has been to
innovate. It has rejected local government convention and steered
its own path, investing in high quality workmanship and classical
design and controversially removing barriers to pedestrian
movement.
We are aiming to transform the
streetscape. Our approach to
road safety is to champion a new evidence-based approach to street
design. In this issue of RBKC Direct we examine how successful
this approach has been, and how it is shaping other
projects.
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Better streets, better life |
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From the classic art-deco designs of Barkers on Kensington High
Street to the world-famous museums of Exhibition Road, Kensington
and Chelsea has some of the most striking, talked about and
photographed architecture in London. But the buildings tell only
half the story. The streets, lighting and furniture - these are
the elements that complete the picture.
There is no doubt the Council has made a substantial investment
in all of these ingredients. But has it made a difference?
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 Read this article |
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Exhibition Road: transforming London's cultural centre |
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Exhibition Road is a jewel in the UK's
intellectual and cultural crown. The area is home to three
national museums, three universities, the Royal Albert Hall
and the Royal Geographical Society alongside many other
extraordinary buildings and institutions.
Their setting though has begun to obscure rather than
showcase their good looks.
But plans are in place to transform Exhibition Road, and
Kensington and Chelsea Council is at the helm of the
project. |
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| Read this article |
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Sloane Square: plans up for consultation |
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 Sloane
Square faces increasing congestion. Pedestrians vie for space on
the pavement and the volume of traffic discourages people from
crossing to the central area.
So the Square has been earmarked for
improvement. But what does the future hold for this unique, paved
square?
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| Read this article |
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Love the streets you live in |
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Council's innovative approach to the streetscape is being
complemented by a new campaign, calling on residents to 'love the
streets you live in'.
The initiative encourages residents to
recycle more, and to keep their streets litter-free. But more than
that the Council wants residents to feel part of their community
and to take responsibility for the streets they live in.
Here we
take a look at the campaign so far, and what comes next.
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| Read this article |
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