
#Aldwych underpass full#
In response to COVID-19, the scheme was again reviewed, and it was agreed at Full Council that the permanent Aldwych scheme would be taken forward, alongside a “Meanwhile Strand” design to provide opportunities to test how Londoners and the local community would like to use the space.įrom the end of August (19 to 22 August 2021), the Strand was permanently closed to vehicular traffic between Waterloo Bridge and Surrey Street. Public realm improvements in the Strand Aldwych area started on 4 January 2021 and are due to be completed in late 2022.

It will create a new public space for London, car-free, centred around the majestic St Mary le Strand Church, which will stand pride of place in its newly created architectural and historic setting. The new Strand Aldwych project aims to bring the inside out – by combining the best of Westminster’s arts, culture, learning and business, utilising the wealth of cultural and creative organisations based in the surrounding areas to reveal the joys of Strand Aldwych as a unique place to visit.

#Aldwych underpass free#
The proposal converts busy roadways into a major new public space at the Strand, to become traffic free in front of Somerset House and King’s College London, and an enhanced pedestrian experience across the Aldwych, including new crossings, wider footways and a new green space. Westminster City Council has ambitious plans for Strand Aldwych, which will see this ancient route adapted to become a pedestrian-focused destination, transforming this historic gateway to the West End into a world-class and contemporary traffic-free public space. This new ‘Skate the Strand’ project is part of the wider Westminster Reveals campaign and kicks off ‘September on the Strand’, inviting people to return to the city’s streets and enjoy the capital’s famed cultural scene, connecting celebrated talent and communities. ‘Skate the Strand’, a new free, temporary pop-up skate park located on the Strand outside Somerset House, marks the start of the longer-term vision for the Strand Aldwych area.
