Publica was commissioned by the City of London to develop a single public realm vision for the streets and spaces of the Bank area and to suggest positive ways in which the public realm could be improved and upgraded to accommodate anticipated future growth. Publica proposed addressing this project in two stages – with detailed stakeholder conversations and consultation before any strategic design would start.

Publica created a baseline survey of current conditions, documenting the specific qualities and condition of each street, character, patterns of use, movement, policy and the development context, with methods including mapping, film and photography. This baseline document formed the basis for an extensive multi-strand consultation process developed and run with the City of London, which included a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Large multi-party stakeholder workshops run and facilitated by Publica were particularly productive, establishing an emerging set of shared aims and principles for the future. These priorities included improving the pedestrian environment – particularly around Bank junction – and reducing conflict between different modes of transport.

The strategy culminated in a vision for the Bank area’s public realm and drawn briefs for identified streets and spaces. It focused on ways in which opportunities afforded by the area’s historic alleys and lanes could be used as alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists during peak hours and quieter rest spaces at other times. Publica worked closely with transport planners from Atkins and City of London planning officers to develop and refine the strategy. 

In early 2013, following the City’s public consultation on the draft strategy, Publica was additionally commissioned to analyse and report on its findings. The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy was adopted by City members in Summer 2013.

The Bank area sits at the very heart of the City of London as the historic and contemporary home of London’s financial and business communities. A thriving commercial centre, the area is the principal location of international banks, insurance companies and other financial establishments. Historic institutions, ancient churches, guilds and livery companies are also found within its streets. 

The area is also a significant transport hub: Bank junction is the meeting point of six key roads and the underground station is one of the busiest on the network. Large volumes of people currently travel through the area daily, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, and with significant new developments planned, a large uplift in the volume of users is anticipated.

Publica was commissioned by the City of London to develop a single public realm vision for the streets and spaces of the Bank area and to suggest positive ways in which the public realm could be improved and upgraded to accommodate anticipated future growth. Publica proposed addressing this project in two stages – with detailed stakeholder conversations and consultation before any strategic design would start.

Publica created a baseline survey of current conditions, documenting the specific qualities and condition of each street, character, patterns of use, movement, policy and the development context, with methods including mapping, film and photography. This baseline document formed the basis for an extensive multi-strand consultation process developed and run with the City of London, which included a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Large multi-party stakeholder workshops run and facilitated by Publica were particularly productive, establishing an emerging set of shared aims and principles for the future. These priorities included improving the pedestrian environment – particularly around Bank junction – and reducing conflict between different modes of transport.

The strategy culminated in a vision for the Bank area’s public realm and drawn briefs for identified streets and spaces. It focused on ways in which opportunities afforded by the area’s historic alleys and lanes could be used as alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists during peak hours and quieter rest spaces at other times. Publica worked closely with transport planners from Atkins and City of London planning officers to develop and refine the strategy. 

In early 2013, following the City’s public consultation on the draft strategy, Publica was additionally commissioned to analyse and report on its findings. The Bank Area Enhancement Strategy was adopted by City members in Summer 2013.