Background
Totterdown Street, a bustling thoroughfare in Tooting, South London, is undergoing a transformative makeover. Commissioned by the London Borough of Wandsworth, Project Centre has been tasked with designing and implementing a new public realm that meets the community’s needs while supporting local businesses.
Historically, Totterdown Street has been a busy route motorists use as a shortcut, with little room for pedestrian-friendly activities. Recognising the need for a communal space, the Council envisioned a vibrant area where residents could gather, shop and relax. The project addressed this by introducing a pedestrianised zone that balances accessibility, sustainability and economic vitality.
Process
Design and community engagement
The initial phase involved extensive consultations and design work by Project Centre’s landscape and engineering teams. We developed and presented two design options to the public and to local businesses for feedback. The objectives were clear:
- Create a community plaza: Design a space to host market activities and provide seating and greenery for residents to enjoy
- Maintain business accessibility: Develop a layout that allows for essential business deliveries while prioritising pedestrian safety and comfort
- Reflect Tooting’s diversity: Ensure the space reflects the vibrant and diverse character of the Tooting community
Public engagement was crucial. Through consultations, Project Centre gathered valuable insights and concerns, which were incorporated into the final design.
Pilot phase and adaptability
A 12-month pilot scheme was launched July 2024 to test the viability of the new pedestrian-friendly layout and included the following elements:
- Temporary plaza creation: A section of the street was closed off with gates to create a movable, colourful plaza. This space includes seating areas, planters and market pitches.
- Market management: Tooting Market has taken charge of managing the market stalls, which operate daily from 11 am to 7 pm. This setup creates a bustling, market atmosphere while ensuring space for community activities.
Throughout the trial period, Wandsworth are collecting data on usage, economic impact and community feedback. This data-driven approach will allow the Council to evaluate the scheme’s success and make informed decisions about its future.
Outcome
Enhancing community and business synergy
The trial phase of Totterdown Street’s new public realm has already demonstrated significant value:
- Community hub: The creation of a dedicated space for public gatherings and markets has transformed Totterdown Street into a vibrant hub for community interaction and leisure.
- Economic boost: The pedestrianised area has increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses by attracting more customers and enhancing the street’s commercial appeal.
- Flexibility and adaptability: The use of movable elements allows the space’s adoption for various events and activities, providing flexibility that meets both community and business needs.
Looking forward
If the trial is successful, the pilot’s insights will inform a permanent redesign of Totterdown Street, solidifying its role as a central, vibrant space in Tooting.
Brian Albuquerque, Local Growth Manager (High Streets), from Richmond and Wandsworth Councils said ‘We really appreciated the design expertise, help and support of Emma at Project Centre Ltd in developing the proposals for the trial scheme on Totterdown Street in Tooting. We now have a vibrant outdoor space for our residents and visitors to enjoy which will also hopefully benefit the surrounding businesses in terms of attracting more footfall, dwell time and spend’
The trial scheme on Totterdown Street demonstrates how through collaboration with the client and community, thoughtful urban design can transform a typical road into a thriving public space. The design has responded to the needs of residents and businesses whilst incorporating and celebrating the area’s diversity. Over the next 12 months the community will test the project and will give further opportunity for feedback and development. It is a real testament for community engagement and how they can influence their space.
View the highlighting from our project launch day!
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