RBKC Direct: Chelsea Academy, Exhibition Road, fear of crime and transport ambitions

Scheduled to open in 2009, the hard work that has gone in to providing a new secondary school in the borough is finally coming to fruition. Chelsea Academy will feature three distinct teaching blocks, scaling down in height from a five storey building closest to Lots Road Power Station to a two storey building adjoining Upcerne Road. Building work is set to start soon but the school will open in temporary accommodation in 2009 with the new building set to open in September 2010.

Changing the layout of the area to create an environment which reflects its international status has long been recognised as a crucial element to sustaining Exhibition Road. Work to create a new layout based on the concept of shared space is set to start soon. Elements of that model have been used to great effect at Kensington High Street where the removal of pedestrian barriers has contributed to a considerable reduction in accidents along that stretch of road.

Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic and terrifying experience. But fearing crime – even if this is unfounded – can cause stress, knock your confidence and affect your wellbeing. However a campaign by Kensington and Chelsea Council to inform the public about the reality of crime levels appears to be having a positive effect.

Maintaining good transport links is vital for ensuring the economic success of Kensington and Chelsea. To that end, Council leaders have called on the Mayor of London to make a series of major improvements to the transport network in the borough. The London Mayor is drafting his second Transport Strategy and Council leaders have launched a campaign urging him to back a series of measures to improve services for pedestrians and rail, bus and road users.