South Kensington's revamped Exhibition Road officially opens

Demand for flats to rent in South Kensington could be set to rise following the official opening of the revamped and redeveloped Exhibition Road area.

An official inauguration ceremony has been held this week for the modernised road, with the leaders of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster in attendance, as well as London mayor Boris Johnson.

The new-look road features a kerb-free single surface with visual and tactile lines to distinguish pedestrian and vehicle routes, with a chequered granite design, black cast-iron drainage channel covers and sleek new street lighting masts enhancing the visual appeal of the area.

Thanks to the refurbishments, no kerbs, barriers or street clutter impede the impressive new look of the road, which also serves to make it more accessible to wheelchair, pushchair and motorised buggy users.

A newly created shared space with a chequered granite design links South Kensington Station to Hyde Park, making it easier and more pleasant than ever to walk between the two locations.

Meanwhile, disabled road users will benefit from strips of corduroy tactile surfaces to demarcate the edges of the road, providing improved safety for blind and partially sighted people.

Mayor Johnson said: "It is projects like these that are not just creating fantastic new places to enjoy but which are supporting and delivering many jobs across the capital.

"This clever approach to rearranging the streetscape at the heart of one of the most important cultural and academic corners on the planet will heighten the whole experience for visitors."

It is also hoped that the improved streetscape will enhance the appeal of the city in advance of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A cultural festival is due to be held at the new-look Exhibition Road in the coming months as part of the preparations for the sporting extravaganza.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 2nd February, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited