17/02/2000
World Squares for All: Trafalgar Square
Plans for giving better access to historic Trafalgar Square were unveiled today by Minister for London Keith Hill together with architect Lord Foster. This marked the start of a public consultation on the new designs. The scheme includes improvements to the pedestrian areas and plans for closing the north side of the Square to traffic. The proposals take forward the first phase of the World Squares for All Masterplan for the area extending from Trafalgar Square to Whitehall and Parliament Square.
Launching the consultation exercise, Keith Hill said:
''I welcome the exciting and inspiring proposals for Trafalgar Square - a public space of world importance.
The new design balances the needs of people enjoying this historic square with those of buses and other vehicles in the area. But it shows how we can unlock the best in the square to create a world-class space for people at the heart of the capital.
The concerns of local people have been taken into account in the further design and analysis. Crucially, this work demonstrates that the proposals are practical and workable.
The Government is determined to bring about an urban renaissance. We want to create civilised cities - places where people want to live, work and visit. The Trafalgar Square design - and the World Squares for All initiative as a whole - is fully in tune with our objectives.
People now have an opportunity to see the Trafalgar Square proposals for themselves and to let us know what they think. People with a range of interests in the area will have views and we want to know what these are.''
Lord Foster commented:
''Trafalgar Square will be transformed with all traffic removed in front of the National Gallery and the centre of the Square made accessible for Londoners and visitors alike. Our proposals will create a new heart for London by improving the balance between pedestrians and vehicles - a blue print for urban regeneration. There will be only one pedestrian crossing between Soho and the South Bank; the new pedestrian piazza in St Martins Place will become a focus for the great cultural institutions around it.''
Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said:
''I attach great importance to the World Squares project and welcome the visionary proposals that have been drawn up for Trafalgar Square and the surrounding area. The skilful design for Stage 1 of the project shows how people can be put first and the quality of London's urban environment hugely improved in this important area at the very heart of the Capital.''
World Squares For All
Links:
www.worldsquares.com
Projects:
Trafalgar Square Redevelopment
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