Public Realm

In 2023, we installed a range of seating across the area to provide more spaces for people to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, talk to their friends, eat lunch and so on, as a direct response to to the Public Realm strategy that identified a shortage of outdoor seating in the area.

The Public Realm Strategy identified improved lighting of the Viaduct as a priority project due to its role as a location for evening activity, its place as a gateway, and as a means of bringing the area’s rich history to life in commemorating the River Fleet. Not only will new feature lighting celebrate the historic importance of both bridges, but on a practical level better lighting will also improve the look and feel of the area for people walking and cycling under the bridges and make the area feel safer. We commissioned the global engineering firm WSP to come up with design ideas, balancing the need for better lighting with the need to respect the historic importance of the viaduct. Following a successful test event in autumn 2025, we hope to have the new lighting scheme installed for winter 2026/7