PLACES

Creating beautiful public spaces with initiatives that uplift and add an element of nature to the urban realm. As we focus on neighbourhoods that better serve their local communities, people can rely less on commuting to other parts of London and enjoy a wealth of services and experiences on their doorstep.

Diversify the use of public realms traditionally dominated by parking and traffic. By trailing parking suspensions and road closures we can experiment with street furniture, creative installations, green infrastructure and lighting which facilitate events. The space becomes owned and used by communities, enlivened with a program of activity and adding to a network of pedestrian friendly spaces with improved air quality.

Thorough traffic mapping must be undertaken to ensure any road closures or loss of parking does not impact business deliveries or access, whilst considering alternative routes and solutions to displacement. Engagement with local communities and businesses on design will ensure the use of the space is maximised and genuinely better serves the public, encouraging active travel and diversifying the high street offer.

Reintroducing biodiversity as a part of neighbourhood design and everyday life, enjoyed by our communities and intrinsically entwined with new infrastructure and civic space projects.

Engage business to adopt a nearby section of canal, guiding them to develop a plan of volunteering, habitat building, maintenance and promotion of the space they take ownership of.

Map businesses in the nearby area to ensure the adoption scheme runs the length of canal between Camden Town and Kings Cross. Partner with the Canal & River Trust and other local experts to design projects that have a positive ecological impact.

Improving air quality through active measures that reduce cars on the road, and passive measures that direct people to places and walking routes with a higher quality of air than congested roads.

Implement a shared cargo bike scheme positioned on Buck Street, inviting a core group of businesses from different sectors to have exclusive access. Charge a reduced fee for use, which is then reinvested in to maintenance. Once the scheme is establish, invite more businesses to take part and explore other locations for parking.

Implement the project via the Clean Air Villages initiative with project management support from Cross River Partnership. Create a steering group of businesses willing to take part in the trail and monitor how and when the cargo bikes are used. Engage with businesses on how to ensure bikes are well used, and explore communications methods to help businesses benefit from having access to a zero emissions mode of transport.

Implement projects that increase resilience to the impact of climate change. Projects that increase shelter, provide drainage solutions and empower local communities to grow their own food can help protect the most vulnerable from the effects of global warming.

Co-design spaces on the Camden Highline and other civic spaces for community and business use that allow for food growing – providing opportunities for learning, skills development and local food production.

Local partnerships are essential in creating allotments that are effectively used. Organisations such as Camden Giving can provide links in to communities, Global Generation can provide the growing education and skills, and the BIDs can bridge the gap with businesses.