Shortlisted teams display visions for new Bankside walking route

RIBA have unveiled the designs by five shortlisted teams for the contest “A Green Vision for the Low Line”. Launched by RIBA in conjunction with Better Bankside, the Low Line Steering Group, and supported by Lund Trust, the contest sought entries to provide a green and creative vision for a new walking destination in Bankside, London. Running along the length of the Victorian rail viaducts spanning Bankside, London Bridge and Bermondsey, the Low Line will connect diverse neighbourhoods and communities in South London.

The name Low Line was coined by Southwark resident David Stephens, with the concept developed through a group of initial partners including Better Bankside, Blue Bermondsey, Borough Market, Team London Bridge, The Arch Company, and Southwark Council. The first new sections of the Low Line opened at Old Union Yard Arches and Flat Iron Square and complement established Low Line hubs located at Borough Market, Maltby Street Market, and Spa Terminus.

The designers were instructed to celebrate the heritage of the railway arches, while unlocking the potential of the adjacent sites. The competition followed an open call format, using a two-stage process. During the first stage, 82 entries were reviewed and five teams invited to develop their proposals further. The organisers are keen to receive public feedback, and are currently exhibiting the shortlisted designs on 18th and 19th  November from 10am-4pm at Southwark Council Atrium, 160 Tooley Street London, SE1 2QH.

The final judging will take place on 20th November, with the winning team announced in early December.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published by TenderStream on 09.07.2019 here

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