Published on
January 19, 2022
The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and Lambeth Council have launched a new design competition to transform Wilcox Road in Lambeth, SW8 into a welcoming gateway to the newly opened Nine Elms Tube station.
Opposite Nine Elms Tube station and connecting Wandsworth Road to South Lambeth Road, Wilcox Road provides a key link between the borough of Lambeth and Wandsworth.
The competition comes off the back of successful LFA competitions in the area with Wandsworth Council, such as Happy Street Bridge by Yinka Ilori in 2019 and Arch 42 ‘Tunnel Visions’ design by Projects Office, due to complete this year.
‘Happy Street’ design by Yinka Ilori
The proposals aim to make the most of 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.
Wilcox Road is home to a diverse mix of businesses, including retail, hospitality, construction, beauty, as well as residential homes. Several businesses provide a focus for the local Portuguese community in the area such as Madeira Prospero and O Fumeiro @ O Louro.
Wilcox Road illuminated by the Line of Light festival
Wilcox Road is also near to New Covent Garden Market, the largest fruit, vegetable, and flower market in the UK, with around 200 tenant businesses. The London Borough of Wandsworth will be delivering new market facilities that will sit alongside a new Food Quarter. The Food Exchange, alongside the market; is a workspace, kitchen space and food culture venue which houses Mission Kitchen, London’s largest shared kitchen, alongside private studios. This site will continue to form part of a long tradition of horticulture and food.
Architects, landscape architects, designers, artists, and creatives from across London are encouraged to submit proposals by midday on Thursday 17 February. View the open call brief and apply.
The winning team will be announced in April 2022 and awarded £65,000 + VAT (which includes a £10,000 design fee) to develop a fully costed, feasible design that can be delivered in summer/autumn 2022. The winning scheme will remain in-situ for a minimum of 10 years.
Rosa Rogina, 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”.
