Croydon council has appointed Netherlands-based OKRA Landscape Architects to transform the town’s principal transport route in a bid to unlock the long-delayed town-centre regeneration.
The firm, which beat other shortlisted party Field Operations, will be responsible for drawing up plans to transform a 1km length of Wellesley Road and Park Lane.
These two roads completely bisect Croydon’s central business and retail area, separating the main East Croydon BR station from the heart of the town and creating a traffic canyon that acts as a barrier to pedestrian movement.
This has seen by many as one of the main physical hurdles for Croydon to overcome in achieving its plans for large-scale regeneration of the area.
Work on the £50m, six-year project, which has been accepted as one of Design for London’s 100 public spaces, is expected to begin in August.
Cllr Steve O’Connell, chair of the jury, said: “We didn’t have an easy job in separating these two submissions, but we ended up favouring the OKRA proposals for a number of reasons, including the projected capital and future maintenance costs, their response to transport needs, their plans to involve local people and businesses at every stage of the project and also their comprehensive approach to sustainability.”
Architect Will Alsop, whose Third City vision for Croydon has helped provide the impetus for the whole project, said: “I was very impressed by the OKRA proposal. It will transform the Wellesley Road into a usable place where people will feel comfortable to dwell and relax.
“The project will also go a long way to restore the east-west links through the centre of Croydon. This is just the type of catalyst that is required at this time.”
Peter Bishop, group director for design, development and environment in London Development Agency, said: “It has been a difficult choice to make between the final proposals to redesign Wellesley Road and shape a new vibrant town centre for Croydon.
“OKRA will bring a wide range of technical skills, great design and a sound management approach to this ambitious scheme.”
Colin Mann, head of borough co-ordination for Transport for London, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this key stage in the development of the Wellesley Road/Park Lane project and to work with Croydon council on this important initiative to make significant improvements for people living, working and visiting Croydon town centre.”
