As part of a wider strategy to enhance the gateways into London, Streatham High Road, a key arterial route spanning 2.6 miles, was identified for investment and transformation.
The road links five distinct character areas: Streatham Hill, Streatham Central, Streatham Village, Streatham Station, and Streatham Common. Together, these neighbourhoods form a diverse, thriving sequence of destinations, each with its own identity but collectively contributing to the vibrancy of South London.
Streatham High Road had long been dominated by traffic and underwhelming public realm features. Earlier tree planting efforts had left gaps, creating an inconsistent streetscape. With the need for safer, more pleasant and more sustainable urban environments becoming increasingly urgent, Lambeth Council and Transport for London (TfL) developed a joint plan to invest £9 million into improving the A23 corridor through Streatham.
Collaboration was central to the project. Lambeth Council worked closely with residents, businesses, and community groups to identify priorities for improvement. Alongside major transport upgrades including bus priority measures, new pedestrian crossings, and safer cycling infrastructure, the project placed strong emphasis on greening the high street. Enhancements included cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points, and the creation of a high-quality ‘Healthy Route’ linking Streatham with Herne Hill and Peckham.
Recognising the role of nature in shaping the area’s character, the design sought to integrate trees, hedges and greenery into the streetscape while respecting the significance of nearby open spaces such as Streatham Common and Streatham Green.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
As part of a wider strategy to enhance the gateways into London, Streatham High Road, a key arterial route spanning 2.6 miles, was identified for investment and transformation.
The road links five distinct character areas: Streatham Hill, Streatham Central, Streatham Village, Streatham Station, and Streatham Common. Together, these neighbourhoods form a diverse, thriving sequence of destinations, each with its own identity but collectively contributing to the vibrancy of South London.
Streatham High Road had long been dominated by traffic and underwhelming public realm features. Earlier tree planting efforts had left gaps, creating an inconsistent streetscape. With the need for safer, more pleasant and more sustainable urban environments becoming increasingly urgent, Lambeth Council and Transport for London (TfL) developed a joint plan to invest £9 million into improving the A23 corridor through Streatham.
Collaboration was central to the project. Lambeth Council worked closely with residents, businesses, and community groups to identify priorities for improvement. Alongside major transport upgrades including bus priority measures, new pedestrian crossings, and safer cycling infrastructure, the project placed strong emphasis on greening the high street. Enhancements included cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points, and the creation of a high-quality ‘Healthy Route’ linking Streatham with Herne Hill and Peckham.
Recognising the role of nature in shaping the area’s character, the design sought to integrate trees, hedges and greenery into the streetscape while respecting the significance of nearby open spaces such as Streatham Common and Streatham Green.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The final phase, focused on Streatham Central, introduced 34 espaliered lime trees. Twenty-five of these were planted in a continuous green ribbon, replacing a raised planted bed in the central median and transforming the corridor into a greener, more cohesive public space. In total, around 137 new trees were planted across the regeneration area during winter 2024.
Given the complexity of planting in such a demanding urban environment, the landscape architect worked with GreenBlue Urban to develop detailed drawings and specifications to support the trees’ long-term survival. Structural root cells and linked below-ground planting pits allowed the trees to share rooting volumes, maximising their resilience and growth potential.
The final phase, focused on Streatham Central, introduced 34 espaliered lime trees. Twenty-five of these were planted in a continuous green ribbon, replacing a raised planted bed in the central median and transforming the corridor into a greener, more cohesive public space. In total, around 137 new trees were planted across the regeneration area during winter 2024.
Given the complexity of planting in such a demanding urban environment, the landscape architect worked with GreenBlue Urban to develop detailed drawings and specifications to support the trees’ long-term survival. Structural root cells and linked below-ground planting pits allowed the trees to share rooting volumes, maximising their resilience and growth potential.
The transformation of Streatham High Road is already delivering wide-ranging benefits for the community. The introduction of new trees and greenery has created a more attractive and welcoming high street, softening the hard edges of this busy arterial road and helping to reframe it as a place to spend time rather than simply pass through. Pedestrians and cyclists now enjoy safer and greener routes, while improved bus lanes and crossings contribute to more efficient journeys for all road users.
Beyond transport, the environmental impact is also significant. The trees enhance air quality, provide shade, and contribute to cooling the urban environment during hotter months. Their presence reinforces Streatham’s distinctive identity by linking its diverse neighbourhoods through a consistent, nature-rich streetscape. Importantly, this success stands in sharp contrast to previous planting efforts that had struggled to establish. By prioritising robust design, technical innovation, and long-term resilience, the project has created not just a visible improvement but a sustainable legacy for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The transformation of Streatham High Road is already delivering wide-ranging benefits for the community. The introduction of new trees and greenery has created a more attractive and welcoming high street, softening the hard edges of this busy arterial road and helping to reframe it as a place to spend time rather than simply pass through. Pedestrians and cyclists now enjoy safer and greener routes, while improved bus lanes and crossings contribute to more efficient journeys for all road users.
Beyond transport, the environmental impact is also significant. The trees enhance air quality, provide shade, and contribute to cooling the urban environment during hotter months. Their presence reinforces Streatham’s distinctive identity by linking its diverse neighbourhoods through a consistent, nature-rich streetscape. Importantly, this success stands in sharp contrast to previous planting efforts that had struggled to establish. By prioritising robust design, technical innovation, and long-term resilience, the project has created not just a visible improvement but a sustainable legacy for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
