The Low Line

A report has been published setting out proposals to regenerate the 299 railway arches that extend all the way from Waterloo to Battersea Power station. It is based on year-long study commissioned by Wandsworth and Lambeth Councils, and undertaken by a team of consultants led by the architects Allies and Morrison.

The study and proposals seek to build on and extend the Low Line concept that has evolved over recent years along the railway viaducts from Bankside to Bermondsey. The Low Line has had considerable success in refurbishing historic arches, supporting community and cultural uses; guiding strategic developments while respecting distinctive areas; greening the line; and establishing a new identity with branding and new wayfinding.

The report presents a vision and a strategy, with investment and spatial priorities for action across four areas:

·         Lambeth North

·         Vauxhall

·         Nine Elms, and

·         Battersea.

Key themes and objectives include celebrating and connecting communities; supporting commercial, industrial, craft and cultural activities; as well as greening the area and contributing to net zero. ‘Priority projects’ identified in Nine Elms and Battersea focus on refurbishing the arches and improvements to the public realm with new pedestrian links around New Covent Garden Market; and similar projects around Havelock Terrace and the Battersea Tangle.

The two councils are establishing a joint working group to facilitate delivery of at least some of the proposed projects. We shall keep a close watch on progress.