A world-class streetscape 

After three years of meticulous construction work in Exhibition Road and South Kensington, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s contractor, Balfour Beatty, completed a project this month to create one of the most exciting streetscapes in the country.

The new-look road features a kerb-free single surface with no barriers or street clutter.  Visual and tactile lines distinguish pedestrian areas from those used by vehicles. Cars are slowed by a 20mph speed limit.

A stunning chequered granite design runs from South Kensington Station to Hyde Park along the full width of the road from building to building. Kerbs, barriers and street clutter have been removed improving access, particularly for those using wheelchairs, push chairs and motorised buggies. Pedestrians can now walk from South Kensington Station to Hyde Park along a newly created shared space.

Black cast iron drainage channel covers run along each side of Exhibition Road, about four metres out from the respective building lines. Beside the drainage channels, strips of ‘corduroy’ tactile warn blind and partially sighted people that they are moving into or out of vehicle free areas. Tall, sleek street lighting masts have been designed to complement the grand buildings of Exhibition Road.

The reopening is being marked by a small ceremony to thank the staff and craftspeople who made it possible and the local people who supported the project.  The official reopening ceremony will take place on 1 February 2012.

Councillor Sir Merrick Cockell, Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: “It has taken us the best part of ten years to get here but South Kensington and Exhibition Road finally have the setting they deserve. 

“For 2012 and far beyond, London now has a unique streetscape that will delight our many millions of visitors and which sets a new standard for urban design.”

Councillor Daniel Moylan, Deputy Chairman of Transport for London (TfL), said: “The improvements made to this cultural heartland of the Capital are exactly what the Mayor of London’s Great Outdoors programme is seeking to achieve.

“The reimagining of the space has transformed Exhibition Road, improving the quality of life for people living and working in, and for those visiting, the borough.  In addition, the uplift in local retail has helped nearby business and dramatically improved the pedestrian experience.

“It is a great example of how TfL and the boroughs are contributing to transform the streets and public spaces in the Capital in advance of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Leader of Westminster Council, Cllr Colin Barrow, added:

“The project at Exhibition Road has made a dramatic impact on the South Kensington streetscape and we are delighted to see the successful completion of these improvements. The streamlined streetscape ensures that the area is at its best for the millions of visitors each year and fits in well with our own streetscape improvements across the City of Westminster.”

A larger formal opening ceremony, led by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will take place in February.  Exhibition Road is the largest project in the Mayor’s London’s Great Outdoors programme, which aims to revitalise public space across the Capital.