St. Luke’s Area, London: Public Realm Improvements

Client/s

The London Borough of Islington in partnership with EC1 New Deal for Communities

Project Bio
An in depth analysis of the issues was presented to a steering group of key stakeholders and local residents. Workshops were held and the resulting Vision Document identified 14 packages of work. By 2009 five of these had been consulted upon and constructed, and in combination with improvements to the adjoining green spaces, vast improvements in driver behaviour, safety and the perception of safety, and local pride have been seen.
The Vision Document detailed three broad categories of improvements, namely:
Improvements to the streets and pedestrian environment: The use of shared surfaces and quality materials was thoroughly considered in light of budget and safety concerns respectively.
Traffic management improvements, including short and long term options to deal with existing ‘rat running’: This was controversial but has been extremely successful in allowing the residents to reclaim the space.
Improvements to St. Luke’s Gardens: This Victorian Square surrounded by setback 1950’s estates became a serious crime generator. Improvements have already been seen however future phases of work to the immediate vicinity will further remedy this. Opening it up and re-lighting it with white light will making it a destination in its own right.