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Funding boost for new Brixton centrepiece


WEBWIRE

The redesign of Brixton town centre was given a major boost today with an announcement by the Mayor that £8m of funding has been secured for a new public square.

The project to bring together two existing public spaces- Tate Gardens and Windrush Square, which are currently disconnected by Rushcroft Road - will receive £4.5m from the London Development Agency (LDA) and £3.5m from Transport for London (TfL).

A joint project between Design for London, Transport for London, Lambeth Council and the local community, Brixton Central Square is part of the Mayor’s 100 Public Spaces Programme and is the first phase of a broader regeneration plan for Brixton and the surrounding area.

Announcing the funding package Mayor Ken Livingstone said:

"Improving London’s public spaces not only creates more attractive places for people to gather, but can help boost the local economy, improve the safety of residents and act as a catalyst for further regeneration.

Brixton was one of the first locations selected to be part of the 100 Public Spaces initiative to improve the capital’s public space and I am absolutely delighted that we are able to start work on a development which will create a world class square for London"

Peter Bishop, Director of Design for London, added:

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to use the creative design of public space to kick-start the regeneration of this important area of South London. Through our partnership approach this project will provide a unique space for the people of Brixton that is in tune with the needs of the community.”

Designed by Gross Max, the design of the new square and proposed traffic changes will improve and unite the spaces of Tate Gardens and Windrush Square and encourage better interaction with St Matthew’s Peace Gardens and the rest of the town centre.

The project is subject to planning approval, with work scheduled to commence in early 2008. The square is expected to be completed by mid-2009.

Councillor Paul McGlone, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“Brixton is a vibrant, lively and exciting area at the heart of the borough. We have worked closely with residents and local businesses for over six years to ensure that plans to develop this area reflect their experiences and aspirations for a new open space. I have no doubt that this modern Brixton Central Square will become an iconic landmark for generations to come.”

The proposals will be on display at Brixton Central Library from 14-25 May and a public event to discuss the plans will be held on Saturday 19 May at Tate Gardens from 10am - 4pm.

Brixton Central Square is the latest development in the Mayor’s 100 Public Spaces Programme: Acton Town Square and Gillett Square in Dalston were completed last year and Potters Field, next to City Hall is now open to the public with a grand opening event planned for 17- 19 May. Wembley Station Square and phase one of Barking Town Square are due to open soon.

-Ends-

For media enquiries: please contact Rachel Clark at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8400; for out of hours media enquiries, please call 07977 439 371.

For public enquiries: please call 020 7593 9000

Notes to Editors:

The London Development Agency works to improve the quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.

Design for London brings together the previous design functions in the GLA, TfL and the LDA. Design for London’s core objective is to embed high quality design thinking into everything that the GLA carries out through its procurement, development and regulatory functions.

The 100 Public Spaces Programme aims to create exemplary public spaces and establish a lasting legacy for a better quality of life for Londoners and its visitors.



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