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Market Place and Tolworth to be two of London’s “Greatest Spaces.”
The Tolworth regeneration and an enhancement of Kingston’s Ancient Market Place have been included in a London-wide initiative celebrating the best examples of newly improved public spaces.
Both projects will form part of “The Mayor’s Great Spaces” scheme that encourages and supports the revitalisation of outdoor public areas in the capital.
Beating off competition from 125 development programs across Greater London, the renewal works will be supported by the resources of the London Development Agency and benefit from design advice from Design for London, as well as recognition for setting the standard for public spaces in London.
A “Great Spaces Panel” of respected professionals from the planning industries, together with Design for London, assessed all 125 projects against strategic aims, performance criteria and delivery expectations. Just 36 have been included in the scheme.
To meet the required standards Kingston Council demonstrated the regeneration taking place in the Borough would enhance the quality of life of for residents, improve the quality of green spaces, reduce the impact of climate change and enhance sustainability.
The Ancient Market Place will benefit from improvements which will enhance the medieval character as well as encourage a wider range of cultural activities.
Highlighting the upper floor building façade in the market place will add to the area’s vibrancy while extra lighting will enhance the settings of listed buildings as well as improving safety after dark.
The purpose of the Tolworth scheme is to create a thriving centre with a better range of facilities for local people. With a more accessible rail station and an extended 281 bus route the regeneration will attract more businesses and investment to the area which will result in a higher volume of visitors and shoppers.
Councillor Simon James, Executive Member of the Council for Planning and Regeneration, said: “As well as revitalising the local area it is fantastic that this development is being recognised as setting the standard across London.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "I want to work with the boroughs and other bodies to shape and breathe new life into London’s public spaces. This means creating a network of well designed and enticing outdoor areas, which increase our city’s popularity as a place to live in, visit and invest.”
Once the Tolworth and Ancient Market Place works are completed the projects will be assessed by the panel and if judged to be a success, celebrated with “The Mayor’s Great Spaces” award.