The recently revamped and renamed Van Gogh Walk (formerly Isabel Street) – which was officially opened with a street party in March – has been nominated in the New London Awards 2013.
The road is adjacent to the former lodgings of the renowned Dutch artist, during his stay in London in 1873-74. It was recently transformed, through the partnership of Lambeth Council and local resident’s group Streets Ahead, into a greener, cleaner and safer area.
The New London Awards champion the best architecture, development and planning across the capital – and Van Gogh Walk has been shortlisted in the ‘Public Spaces’ category
The development of the street – which is in close proximity to two primary schools – has resulted in safer traffic measures including a 20mph speed limit and a zebra crossing, as well as increased greenery and lockable bike sheds. The walls are also adorned with excerpts from Van Gogh’s letters to his brother during this time (p.s. it’s all positive about London).
Fingers crossed for this excellent example of local groups working in partnership with the council to improve public spaces across our borough!
[…] Walking in London comes with its own set of rewards though. Foremost, you’ll almost certainly come upon something unexpected. My first day here I stumbled across Van Gogh Walk, a fantastic use of public space adjacent to where the artist lived while in the city. Public art, garden areas and a basketball court span two short blocks and set a familial tone for the neighbourhood. The walk was just nominated for a New London Architecture award. […]