Gloomy Clapham underpass targeted for major spruce-up

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

A ‘dirty and unsafe’ railway underpass will be redesigned in a £2million project to make it better and safer for residents and visitors.

Wandsworth council has launched a competition, in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture, to transform Falcon Road Bridge in Battersea into a ‘striking landmark’.

Architects, designers and artists have been invited to submit proposals to revamp the bridge and the 100m-long underpass running under it, which connects north and south Battersea, by September 12.

The route allows pedestrians, cyclists and traffic to flow beneath Clapham Junction railway station, which is one of the busiest stations in Europe.

Labour council leader Simon Hogg said improvements to the bridge are ‘long overdue’. Cash collected by the council from private developers for projects in north Battersea will be used to fund the project.

Councillor Hogg said: “The gloomy and unwelcoming Falcon Road bridge cuts right through the middle of Clapham Junction’s thriving shopping, residential and transport area.

“Improvements here are long overdue, so as part of our decade of renewal we’re excited to use funds we’ve collected from local property developers to finally get the bridge transformed into a striking landmark as well as a better and safer route for everyone who uses it.”

Documents from the London Festival of Architecture said the budget for the project is about £2m. The proposals could involve adding new lighting, public art, murals and plants to the underpass, along with improving the pavements and signs.

An exhibition will be held displaying the shortlisted designs, to be voted on by the public, in November. The council will announce the final decision in December, while the works are set to be completed by the end of next year.

Pictured top: Falcon Road Bridge underpass (Picture: LB Wandsworth)