Clapham Common tube station
Clapham Common will be home to a new and improved green space, as plans to expand and develop the public area will start by this winter.
The area will help pedestrians access the underground station and bus stops, as over 10 million people used the station in 2015.
Designers of the green space hope to promote wildlife in the area by planting new plant species. Pedestrians will be able to admire this plant display from a new seating area.
The plan also includes canopy lighting with a range of colours and effects to create a more welcoming pathway to Clapham Common, as well as future events in the Common.
However, despite public support, leading figures in Clapham have voiced their concern. “There is still an element of over-design here,” said Marcus Hope from Friends of Clapham Common. “The current layout needs to be revised”.
The plan features new kerbs, access for wheelchair and pushchair users and new paths, many of which have become eroded due to heavy footfall.
Methodic Practice, the architecture firm, put forward an application to spearhead the design and Lambeth council accepted the idea. “The design will be delivered under a very tight budget,” they said.
However, some people have come out in opposition as to where the money is being spent. “Their (Methodic Practice) approach was not favoured by the majority of the steering group,” said Jeremy Keates, business manager for This Is Clapham.
There is also concern over the lack of consideration for cycle stands and lanes. As cycling in London has hit a record high, some residents feel there is a missed opportunity.
“There is currently no cycle crossing from Acre Lane to The Pavement-a known desire line. Could a redesign of this space facilitate such a transition?” said Charlie Holland, a Lambeth Cyclists representative.
This comes as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, sets out measures to ban dangerous lorries that don’t meet certain requirements, primarily for the safety and promotion of cycling.
Clapham Common design proposal from Lambeth Council
