In 2015, we joined forces with Architecture 00. Together, we enjoy collaborating in a shared environment where strategic, urban and social designers, architects, programmers and economists practice design beyond its traditional borders. 00 work with individuals, governments, corporations and communities to solve problems and anticipate change, and to design successful platforms and places. As a studio it aims to reach beyond the design of objects themselves to the social, economic and environmental systems behind them.

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Holyrood Street Low Line

In Summer 2017, Studio Weave and 00 were commissioned by Team London Bridge – a business district representing over three-hundred local enterprises – to produce a concept study of public realm interventions in the area, as well as examining the potential uses of spaces along Holyrood Street, Southwark. The aim was to help build momentum towards the creation of locally successful economic, cultural and leisure spaces, as well as an exciting visitor destination.

'Medium Term’ Illustration of the public space

The recent redevelopment of significant London stations such as King’s Cross, Waterloo, and Paddington, provide an example of the positive influence on the economy and built environment to the areas surrounding important transport interchanges. It is anticipated that Holyrood Street, which sits immediately adjacent to the new London Bridge development, will see similar change and investment.

Our report seeks to catalyse a range of partners from across the public, private and third sector to collaborate and co-invest to create an exciting and dynamic place right next to London Bridge Station.

Space available for occupation - subject to shared vision agreement & existing landowners

The study – supported by a steering group comprised of landowners in Holyrood Street, such as Southwark Council and Network Rail – and the summary report together represent a key stage in the delivery of the London Bridge Low Line project. This project, set out in the London Bridge Plan, seeks to create a “unique pedestrian quietway” with arches “activated, tenanted and programmed to support small business and enliven street frontages”. The Low Line is also highlighted as an important cultural platform in the London Bridge Culture Strategy (2018).

The proposed concepts highlight significant physical, social and economic opportunities on Holyrood Street and the surrounding area, providing future development opportunities to be explored. 

Space available for occupation - subject to shared vision agreement 

On the doorstep of London Bridge Station, More London and rapidly changing Bermondsey, the area would be attractive for a range of retail and food & beverage chains. Meanwhile, the arches would be suitable for arts, community, innovation, start-ups, collaboration, learning and sustainable technology. 

The strategic objective of this project is to unlock this key part of the Low Line in a way that is distinctive while being economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

The quiet Holyrood Street is located adjacent to an area undergoing unprecedented change. Running alongside the iconic railway viaduct that connects Central London to Bermondsey and beyond, it is set to be a landing point for the new London Bridge Station, through which over 320,000 people pass each day. Our study suggests that, in the midst of this development, it is possible to use a phased approach for the Holyrood Street Low Line, which:

- Improves the public realm and the new walking route
- Builds on the existing character of the street to create a distinct sense of place
- Creates opportunities for incubation of local skills, entrepreneurship and innovation
- Offers new cultural opportunities to people who visit, work or live in the area
- Knits the area and its distinct communities together, offering new experiences in a growing city



'Immediate', 'Short', 'Medium' & 'Long' -term intervention opportunities for iterative development of Holyrood Street Low Line Public Realm, to be adopted within strategy proposed

Our study is conducted in three stages:

01; ‘Initial Study of Context & Physical Setting’ explored the context of Holyrood Street as an area of rapid change and the street’s own current condition.

02; ‘Design Concept Scoping Report’ investigated potential meanwhile collaborations and identifies specific phyical project opportunties.

03; ‘Public Realm Study & Concept Report’ collated key projects from the catalogue of interventions onto drawing sets for short, mid and long term.

Conceptual development of Holyrood Street; hierarchy of change

Project info

Location: Southwark, London, UK
Project status: Completed (RIBA Stage 2), 2017

Sectors:

Public Realm

Collaborators:

with Team London Bridge (Client)

Related projects: