Today (30 January 2019) marks the start of Westminster City Council’s consultation to redevelop the area around the Strand campus.

The aim of the council’s plans, which have had input from local businesses and organisations, will see the Strand Aldwych area transformed into a world-class cultural and learning quarter, with a £28 million investment. The plans, which are available to view online as well as in the old KCLSU shop at 171 Strand, outline an area that is free of traffic where residents and visitors alike can enjoy events, culture, space to relax, recharge or socialise in the heart of cultural London. The six-week consultation (30 January – 13 March) is just one stage in the ongoing dialogue between the council and everyone who has an interest in the Strand area.

Key improvements highlighted by the council are:

• Making it easier and safer to get around by removing the gyratory, having two-way traffic in Aldwych and removing it from part of the Strand.
• Improving public spaces across the whole area with an amazing new plaza proposed around St Mary Le Strand Church.
• Improving connections to South Bank, Covent Garden and the West End.
• Creating a cultural and learning quarter by joining up the world-renowned organisations and institutions in the area and supporting them to showcase their amazing offer.
• Tackling air quality issues as well as improving facilities for walking and cycling.

The council is now keen to hear from as many people, businesses and organisations as possible on these draft design ideas, so it can develop the best scheme for the area. The consultation will run from 30 January 2019 to 13 March 2019 – full details can be found at the dedicated website www.strandaldwych.org.