New pedestrian plaza outside St John’s Waterloo

The public space between St John's church, the James Clerk Maxwell Building and the subway leading to the BFI IMAX used to be a cluttered, unattractive area with a service road running through the middle of it.

A three-phase scheme called King's College Plaza was developed and managed by Lambeth Council and South Bank Employers' Group – with funding from Transport for London, Cross River Partnership, EU funding Interreg IIIB and King's College London – to turn the space into a pleasant meeting area for students, residents and visitors.

Energy-efficient lights illuminate the trees and the paving, making the area more attractive and helping to reduce fear of crime. Sculptural benches, cycle racks, litter bins, ashtrays and chewing gum bins have all been provided.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to create a splendid place for visitors to the South Bank area to meet and relax," says Cllr Sally Prentice, cabinet member for environment on Lambeth Council.

"This scheme builds on improvements that we have made nearby at The Cut and demonstrates our commitment to improve public spaces, in partnership with others, right across Lambeth."

There could be a wider transformation of this busy part of Waterloo if the ambitions of the Waterloo City Square project are realised. Shortlisted designs were exhibited last month and a winner is due to be announced shortly.