Vauxhall Cross

Vauxhall Cross, gateway to central London for tens of thousands of people, has underwent a major transformation in 2004.

A new interchange now makes travelling into, through and around the area smoother and easier. New road layouts make cycling and walking safer and more pleasant, combined with environmental improvements to the surrounding area.

State-of-the-art technology means the interchange is largely fuelled by solar energy channelled through photo-voltaic roof panels. Rainwater is also recycled to provide much of the water needed for day-to-day use.

Almost two thirds of the cost of the solar development was met by the Department of Trade and Industry as part of its plans to encourage buildings to be self-sustaining.

The transformation of the interchange and the surrounding area will stimulate regeneration in the strategically important Vauxhall to Battersea area, acting as a spur for economic development and job creation.

Significant involvement with local communities and stakeholders has helped develop a project which will create real benefits for residents, businesses, commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and tourists.

Community consultation was a key consideration with their views being incorporated as far as possible following two public exhibitions. The first showed the range of designs from five architectural firms before the decision was made to work with Arup. The second invited comments on the winning design.

Residents said a high priority should be safety so the scheme has improved lighting and greater CCTV facilities. The community was the major stakeholder in the redesign of two viaduct tunnels running to and from the interchange. Designs were drawn up with the community, working through St Peter's Heritage Trust and developed with public art experts Freeform Arts.

Major improvements include;

Better provision for pedestrians and cyclists
The new Bondway bus station
Better access to and from tube and railway stations
An improved street environment
A new taxi rank
Increased bus services
Improved personal security measures
Three transformed viaduct tunnels.

Geographical area
Vauxhall Cross Interchange is on the south side of the Thames in Lambeth.

Time frame
The new bus station went into use on 4 December 2004 with the rest of the interchange fully opened in early 2005.

Results

Completing the new road layout and traffic light controlled junctions
Completing most of the pedestrian paving
Installing new drainage systems to service new facilities
Starting construction of Bondway Bus Station
Installing new street lighting
Planting new trees
Works started on improvements to two pedestrian viaduct tunnels.

Cross River Partnerships role
Cross River Partnership has contributed funding to the project and has been behind much of the community consultation.

Lead partner
Transport for London

Other project partners
London Development Agency
Lambeth Council
The Mayor and Greater London Authority

Contact
Andrej Znak
Transport for London
020 7941 7068
andrejznak@streetmanagement.org