In November 2012 Westminster City Council commissioned FCBStudios and Grant Associates as part of a multidisciplinary team to devise a twenty-year infrastructure and public realm plan for Church Street and Paddington Green Renewal Area in London, to support the council’s housing renewal strategy. In May 2013 over 1,800 residents showed their support in casting their vote for the proposed regeneration plans for Church Street in a ward-wide referendum, resulting in an overwhelming 87% voting in favour of the proposals.

The bold Infrastructure and Public Realm Plan will see Church Street and Paddington Green set new standards in the UK as a retro-fitted climate change adapted neighbourhood. Key climate issues such as clean air, drainage, flood and drought have all been addressed in the plan. The final design will feature a rich mix of open spaces for play and nature, comfort and health, arts and culture, economy and infrastructure to create London’s most ‘liveable neighbourhood’.

The existing neighbourhood is deficient in informal play provision, natural open space and low in tree cover. Underused estate gardens will be brought into the Public Realm and enriched as productive gardens, play spaces, rain gardens and green infrastructure. A new green corridor running north-south through the neighbourhood will connect and enhance existing pocket parks and engage residents and schools through informal play and an ‘edible landscape’ of fruit and vegetable gardens.

A revamped civic street and squares are proposed for Church Street, connecting new and proposed civic buildings such as the college, health centre, library and market. The form and maintenance of the market will be addressed to reinforce its identity and value to the community. And a new civic square is envisaged at the crossing of civic street and green corridor to become a focal point for the market, community events and festivals.