Strand Aldwych

Strand is an important east/west route in Westminster, central London and has been since AD190. Aldwych is an early 20th century Parisian-style boulevard. Combined, they formed a heavily trafficked gyratory, which made Strand a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Fourteen million people use it annually.

Altering traffic flow was key to creating a unique new cultural space with room for nature. In 2021, traffic on Strand from Waterloo Bridge to St Clement Danes was removed. Hush fell. Aldwych was made two-way, and slower and safer. Five new signalised pedestrian crossings were installed on desire lines.

Strand points to a greener, healthier, more inclusive city. It is of national and international significance. It reopened in December 2022 with new trees, lawns, communal dining, biodiverse planting, rain gardens and cycle stands. Dwell times have since increased, and air quality dramatically improved. Multi-coloured seats line a large performance space with programming commissioned by the surrounding institutions.

Removing traffic has allowed a safer and calmer space to emerge. People now sit chatting, lunching, reading and for the first time, the street connects to the life going on around it. The space feels generous, flexible and for the people. St Mary le Strand – the finest 18th century church in London – had been freed from heavy traffic. Now, richly planted gardens provide urban sanctuaries either side of the church with Strand joining the dots between major spaces, including Covent Garden.

The design brings nature into the city, allowing for better management of rainfall. Planting is biodiverse and pollinator friendly. Water management, drainage and drought planning have been incorporated. Seventy stakeholders helped co-create and test ideas.

SAVE Britain’s Heritage see Strand as “the best and most enlightened example of good town planning since the creation of Covent Garden Piazza in the 1970s.” It has been described as the best thing to happen to London in decades.