Initial ideas relating to the Better Bankside commissioned Great Guildford Street study were recently presented to local stakeholders in the Community Space. Representatives from Land Securities, London School of Economics and the City of London along with Bankside Open Spaces Trust were among those who reviewed emerging designs.  This study is one of the first steps of the wider Bankside Urban Forest initiative and looks initially at improving the pedestrian link along Great Guildford Street between the River Thames and Southwark Street.

 

Great Guildford Street, characterised as a ‘stream’ within the Bankside Urban Forest framework, runs north-south from Southwark Bridge Road to the river. It is an important link between the communities living south of Southwark Street and “their historic playground-the riverside” (Ken Worpole). With new developments happening in the area, the pedestrian infrastructure of this part of Bankside is under increased pressure. This study will take a long term view at addressing conditions for pedestrians along this route which provides a link between the Riverside Walkway and Bankside Mix (formerly Bankside 123). Initial ideas include investigating opportunities for increased planting, seating and more space for pedestrians. The study will also explore opportunities for increased planting in adjacent green spaces and will investigate the use of blank building facades for vertical planting.

 

The Great Guildford Street study is one of a number of projects in the Bankside Urban Forest, with further projects in development just outside the BID area including improvements to Flat Iron Square and proposals for a planted arch on Union Street. For further information about Bankside Urban Forest please contact Valerie Beirne, Bankside Urban Forest Manager on vb@betterbankside.co.uk.