A scheme aimed at combating major terrorist threats in and around Whitehall, whilst enhancing the look of the area, has won a major award in recognition of the careful way in which urban design and security requirements have been skilfully blended.

The Cabinet Office, Westminster City Council and its service provider West One received the Institution of Highways and Transportation's Security in the Public Realm Award 2008 for their Whitehall Streetscape Improvement Project. The award recognises excellence in the development, application or promulgation of effective and proportionate security systems within the public realm to counter established and evolving threats.

The scheme, built upon the 'World Squares For All Masterplan', sympathetically integrates contemporary security features with more traditional aspects of urban design to deliver a package which will transform the area; providing a world class environment with better facilities for pedestrians, tourists and public transport users, whilst ensuring this historically important area retains its iconic status as a major attraction in its own right and is safe for both workers and visitors.

Although the work is still ongoing, the judges said that this was "a unique project where urban design and security skills are blended carefully, to design an effective scheme in an aesthetically challenging area".

Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: 'This is a highly prestigious award which recognises what we are aiming to achieve by developing quality security measures which can actually enhance our streets, rather than resorting to some of the more crude measures of concrete blocks. It is a great example of real partnership working with central Government Departments.

"Although we live in an age where security is a major concern, I strongly believe that we should not sacrifice the aesthetics of this beautiful city. As well as being the functioning heart of Government, Westminster attracts nearly 30million tourists a year who make a substantial contribution to the economy, and it is vitally important that we ensure they can appreciate some of our historic sights comfortably and in safety."

The project incorporates a package of measures aimed at bolstering security around the area whilst improving the street environment, which will ensure its continued standing as a world class destination.

Preparatory works began in May 2007 and are expected to be completed in 2010.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

The Institution of Highways and Transportation's Awards aim to celebrate and reward the good work currently taking place in the highways and transportation sector, and to promote this professionalism and best practice to a wider industry audience.

The 25 million worth of urban improvements in the Whitehall area is a partnership between central government and Westminster City Council to deliver improved security and better public facilities in the area. The scheme is funded by central government.

The works involve a redesign of the road and public spaces developed from ideas in the 1998 'World Squares For All Masterplan' and will improve disabled access.

The project has been carefully designed to remove existing street clutter and install new street lights and necessary security measures in a much more spacious and better integrated street layout.

There are no plans to alter any of the buildings, structures or monuments, or exclude traffic from streets in the Whitehall area or to alter the street in any way which would significantly reduce traffic flow or delay buses.

The works will not affect any important ceremonial events and have been carefully planned so the streetscape can be reinstated.

Westminster City Council are undertaking a number of ongoing upgrades of major streets throughout the City.

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