Marylebone-Euston Road, London
2002-ongoing

Terry Farrell and Partners were asked, as part of the Greater London Authority's (GLA) Architecture & Urbanism Unit's 'One Hundred Squares' project to look at the future of the Marylebone-Euston Road – arguably the best connected street in London. This central road has the potential to be transformed into one of London's greatest assets - a vibrant place with street life, attractive landscaping, major squares and green spaces.

Central to proposals is the need to shift the perception of this area as an urban motorway serving through traffic to a distinctive 'place.' The road is home to a large number and range of important users – institutions, visitor attractions and blue chip companies and needs to be transformed into a celebrated, liveable part of London. TFP drew up and put forward a series of proposals at a seminar held at The British Library in December 2002. This took the form of an intellectual framework and has acted as a catalyst for change, with support and input from the GLA, Transport for London and the London Boroughs of Camden and Westminster.

This area includes 25% of the proposed growth opportunities in Central London. Therefore it is critical that plans are carefully thought through and implemented. Within TFP's proposals pedestrian movement and safety are paramount, together with the reinforcing of the identity of the place. A key factor is the need for an integrated public transport strategy for the whole corridor. Other considerations are the streetscape whereby lighting, paving and street furniture are carefully designed and installed. A boulevard environment should be created via the planting of trees and the creation of new landscape. Further ideas include the creation of a pedestrian route from Primrose Hill to the South Bank – the 'Nash Ramblas' and the elimination of the Euston Road underpass.

The way forward is to build on the huge potential of Marylebone-Euston Road in partnership with key stakeholders and planners. It has the history, scale and critical mass to be transformed and TFP's vision allows for a real improvement in the heart of London, whereby communities and places are linked together to greatly improve the public realm.