'The Cut' project scoops major international award

A £3 million project to improve The Cut in Waterloo has won an international award.

The scheme - along the thoroughfare that links Bankside with Waterloo - has led to major improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and this week scooped the prestigious BEX 2008 International Award for the Best Project Collaboration.

The scheme, which was a joint project between Lambeth and Southwark Councils, the Cross River Partnership, Transport for London, and local business and resident groups, turned a previously cluttered and unattractive public space into a model of successful urban design. It was led by officers from Lambeth Council.

It included the planting of 48 trees, the installation of 38 new cycle racks, improved lighting, new benches and pedestrian signage, and new solar powered parking metres.

It also made the area more pedestrian and cyclist friendly by turning the route into a 20 mph zone and widening and repaving the footpaths. A new waste management scheme has also been introduced.

The completion of the work was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Kevin Spacey, artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre in March 2008.

Cllr Nigel Haselden, Deputy Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Lambeth Council's Design Champion, said: "The improvements to The Cut are a great example of what can be achieved when councils, businesses and residents work together. The difference the project has made for pedestrians and cyclists in particular has been tremendous."