Lambeth: Streatham Green set for facelift after council approves next phase for delivering £190,000 “transformation” scheme

Lambeth Council has approved plans to take the next phase of the Streatham Green transformation project in-house, to create “a safer, more accessible and environmentally friendly Green that would attract more people and encourage them to stay in the area longer”.

The ambitious project was initially an InStreatham Business Improvement District (BID)-led project, following a competitive process. The BID appointed landscape architects Outerspace to undertake community engagement, feasibility studies, design and a planning application and subsequently delivered phase 1. It has been agreed to bring the next phase of delivery in house to the council, which will allow Lambeth to directly oversee the work and deliver an impactful scheme within the remaining budget. The project will be funded through a £189,658 Communities and Place capital grant from UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF).

A council report confirming the development recognised that investment was needed in Streatham – and in other town centres in the borough – “to create safer, greener and more welcoming places, that in turn are able to attract footfall and investment”.

The proposed improvements to Streatham Green align with the key ambition in Lambeth’s borough plan, to make Lambeth neighbourhoods fit for the future. Lambeth’s Growth Plan identifies the delivery of “upgraded and accessible green public space at Streatham Green” as a named action to be delivered over the next year.

The next phase of works will be delivered by the Council’s Capital Studio team, and the council will reappoint Outerspace to conduct the design work on the project. The redevelopment of Streatham Green will focus on enhancing the area’s green credentials, reducing antisocial behaviour and attracting more people and encouraging them to stay for longer. Popular themes identified from previous consultation were features within the green – including play, water, business and events, accessibility and inclusivity, activating space and community, safety and behaviours. All of these priorities are being considered by Capital Studio and the design team when value engineering the scheme and progressing a new design for the Green.

Outerspace are exploring design priorities such as hard landscape and paving strategy, accessibility and inclusive design, utilities, lighting and infrastructure, trees and planting strategy, furniture, natural play, safety ASB and environmental management.

Word from the Cabinet

Cllr Marcia Cameron, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, said: “Our town centres, particularly in the south of the borough, have faced a series of challenges in recent years, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help them.

“Transforming Streatham Green is a particular priority for us and it represents a great opportunity to improve the area for everyone who uses it. We’ve worked closely with local people and businesses over a number of years to plan the proposals and get them off the ground; now, by bringing it in-house, we’re making sure that they deliver the improved Streatham Green that everyone wants to see.”