Background
The Visions for Northolt scheme, delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Ealing, was designed to transform the Kensington and Mandeville Road corridor into a safer, greener, and more accessible route for all users. With fragmented infrastructure, vehicle dominance, and limited public realm, the area required a bold, integrated approach to boost mobility, support active travel, and enhance community spaces. The project aimed to improve air quality, encourage sustainable travel, and create inclusive, people-friendly environments.
Process
Innovative design standards were central to the scheme. Key interventions included 1.5 km of new segregated cycleways, 2 km of upgraded footways, 11 new or improved pedestrian crossings, and a fully accessible step-free link to the canal towpath. We revitalised the area’s public realm with a new plaza around the historic Clock Tower, enhanced with heritage lighting, landscaping, and street furniture—supporting local pride and economic activity.
Extensive engagement with the community, including schools and local organisations, shaped an inclusive design as well as ensuring the scheme met local needs. Enhanced wayfinding and safer junctions also helped to improve legibility and connectivity across the corridor.
Outcome
The project has already delivered measurable benefits. Early monitoring shows an 11% increase in cycling and walking, indicating a successful modal shift. Public realm upgrades have increased footfall and improved safety, with a reduction in traffic conflict points and enhanced pedestrian visibility. Local businesses are benefiting from increased street activity and more welcoming spill-out spaces.
The scheme supports net-zero ambitions, road safety targets, and place-based policies by reducing car dependency and improving sustainable transport infrastructure. Ongoing monitoring through Smart sensors and post-completion surveys in 2025 will continue to assess environmental, mobility, and economic outcomes—ensuring long-term value and accountability. The scheme has recently been shortlisted at the CIHT Awards in the “creating better places” category.
