Farringdon Urban Design Study

Who is it for?

The study provides a clear strategy for the three local authorities, Crossrail, Transport for London, Network Rail, English Heritage and the other partners. The study has brought together stakeholders to nurture a vision of Farringdon, about the way it will change in the next 15 to 25 years and how most can be made of this in terms of identity, heritage, urban design qualities and synergies between uses.

How are we doing it?

In close collaboration with our partners, the consultants have set out a very robust baseline report from which proposals for possible future development and public space strategy have emerged.

What are the benefits?

A co-ordinated vision and maximised opportunities with due regard to historic and sustainability constraints. Approximately 15,000m² of new public space, including shared surfaces, will be created, and access will be provided to over 4,000m² of previously closed, private green space.

Why is the LDA involved?

As a request from the partner stakeholders. The LDA is best placed, in its role as project manager, to bring together the three local authorities and the other stakeholders and coordinate their aspirations.

When is the project happening?

The project started in November 2008. Phase 1 was completed in March 2010, with Phase 2 following on immediately after Phase 1.

What is the budget?

The budget for Phase 1 was £137,000. Phase 2 has a provisional budget of £250,000.

Changes in Farringdon

With the construction of Crossrail, the high-speed rail link connecting East and West London through the centre of London, Farringdon will provide the interchange between Crossrail, Thameslink and London Underground. It will be the only station in London providing interchange between east/west and north/south bound trains, connecting it directly with Eurostar at King’s Cross, Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

The Urban Design Study

This study aims to set out strategies and recommendations for how to integrate a high-quality public transport interchange within Farringdon, and how to increase capacity within Farringdon in terms of public space and new development.

The study was commissioned by the three local authorities, Crossrail, English Heritage, GLA, Thameslink and Transport for London, and project managed by the London Development Agency’s design for London.

The varied focuses represented by the group have provided a strong basis for a creative process. More than 60 steering group and stakeholder meetings have ensured that the integrated design process for Farringdon is live and that the findings of the study are being taken into account by stakeholders through projects already underway. Alongside the 20-year timeframe for the vision, it also means recommendations have varied status, some urgent and agreed, others requiring continued thinking and development.

Six urban design objectives

From the study, six objectives were identified and agreed:

1. Make Farringdon more Farringdon.

2. Increase synergy between uses, places and stakeholders.

3. Create an integrated public transport interchange and movement strategy.

4. Make the most of the public realm.

5. Make the most of new development and uses.

6. Make Farringdon more sustainable.