Old York Road, Wandsworth

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Candidate Overview

Old York Road is an excellent example of trial-based post-pandemic street transformation. The street has evolved from a once congested thoroughfare into a relaxed high street with a European town square feel. Key drivers behind the success of the project include the iterative approach to project delivery and collaboration between Transport and Economic Development Teams at the London Borough of Wandsworth / Richmond. They have also taken a responsive approach to working with the community, who are clearly invested in the project, to co-create the street as it is today.

The street’s strengths include dramatically increased amenity for pedestrians and cyclists, along with the project’s boost for local business through outdoor seating areas, or streateries, which have contributed to a sociable feel (albeit within commercial space). It is evident that Old York Road has been revitalised through improvements to its amenity, economy and atmosphere.

The assessors believe there is a lot of potential in Old York Road’s next chapter as the project is made permanent and look forward to revisiting the street in the future.

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Thumbnail illustration of Old York Road by David Rudlin AoU, Artist-in-Residence