Competition to design a new approach for Nine Elms Tube station

The approach to a new Tube station will get a facelift as architecture firms are asked to compete for the contract.

The London Festival of Architecture and town hall chiefs want designers to submit a proposal that animates Wilcox Road in Lambeth and transforms it into a welcoming gateway to the newly opened Nine Elms Tube Station.

Wilcox Road, Vauxhall, was the location of much of the filming of iconic British movie My Beautiful Laundrette in 1985.

But two years ago, Lambeth councillors agreed a seven-storey building could replace existing shops at 3 to 27 Wilcox Road – which includes Taste of the Mediterranean restaurant – the set of the movie.

Sitting across from Nine Elms Tube Station and connecting Wandsworth Road to South Lambeth Road, Wilcox Road is a link between the borough sof Lambeth and Wandsworth. Wilcox Road has shops, hospitality, construction, personal care, as well as residential homes.

The area is also has a big Portuguese population and a mix of businesses they run.

The design competition aims to create a gateway between the Nine Elms Tube Station and Wilcox Road. The brief “should capitalise on the proximity and footfall of the new Nine Elms Tube Station and seek to strengthen road connections, particularly the East-West link into Nine Elms and through to South Lambeth Road via Arch 42″.

This competition is part of Lambeth Council’s Economic Resilience Strategy, whose ambition is to create an inclusive and resilient economy in Lambeth. One that creates opportunities for local businesses and enables the council to thrive financially to deliver core public services.

The Wilcox Road competition aims to create a welcoming neighbourhood that in turn aids economic recovery and brings new attention to the area.

The winning team will be announced in April 2022 and awarded £65,000 , with a £10,000 design fee, to develop a fully costed, feasible design that can be delivered in the summer/autumn 2022. The winning scheme will remain for a minimum of 10 years.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their proposals by February 17.

Director of London Festival of Architecture, said: “Following the success of Arch 42 Gateways competition in 2021, we are looking forward to delivering another exciting design competition in the area. Harnessing creativity and design talent to achieve positive change for Lambeth is fundamental to our mission. This competition is a great opportunity for creatives to showcase their talent and demonstrate how design can bring together local communities and transform a public road into a bold local landmark for the benefits of residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Sonia Winifred, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, said: “This is a unique opportunity for a new or emerging artist to leave their mark on one of our most exciting neighbourhoods and be enjoyed for years to come. It could become one of the first sights visitors see when they leave Nine Elms station to explore Nine Elms. I would encourage all artists, designers, or creative minds to consider how they can help enhance this local centre. Wilcox Road brings together so many people from different backgrounds, I hope the winning artwork will reflect the diversity of the area now and in the future.”

The British Film Institute ranked the Stephen Frears film, which starred Greenwich-raised Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke, as the 50th greatest British film of the 20th century.

Information for applicants is available at www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/competitions