Spine Route - Concert Hall Approach and Belvedere Road

Delivering the Spine Route - Concert Hall Approach and Belvedere Road public realm improvements

Following completion of the first phase of works in 2022 as part of the Spine Route masterplan, and the introduction of traffic improvements at Bernie Spain Gardens and Waterloo Bridge as a trial in Autumn 2023, construction of the next phase of work is starting in September 2024. This phase focusses on public realm improvements to Concert Hall Approach, Sutton Walk and Belvedere Road (between Hungerford Bridge and the Hayward Gallery). 

In line with the overall plan, the designs for this area reimagine the local streets, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, improving the public realm and making the area a more climate resilient and inclusive place for people. This will be achieved by the introduction of high-quality paving, planting and trees and through the restriction of through traffic.

Upcoming works

This is a substantial phase of the Spine Route project and works are expected to be completed in Spring 2025. Inevitably there will be a level of disruption to those living, working and moving through the area but the Council and its contractors have undertaken a large amount of preparation, and will do their very best to reduce inconvenience during the build period. 

Further details of the arrangements we are putting in place through this period – to enable traffic and pedestrian movement – as well as more information on how the works will be phased – can be found below or at this link. 

We have also put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Spine Route and this phase of the works, which you can download below or view at this link.

Updates on the delivery of this project will be published on this website. We invite you to register and follow this page. Alternatively you can write to us at SouthBankSpineRoute@lambeth.gov.uk to ensure inclusion on our mailing list.

Works update - December 2024

We would like to inform you that footway paving on Concert Hall Approach and the south side of Belvedere Road has been completed, with all works finishing before the Christmas shutdown on December 20th as per the project’s programme.

Belvedere Road will be cleared of all traffic management and signage and will remain unobstructed for New Year celebrations.

From January 2nd, SGN will begin work to the gas network on Concert Hall Approach only, with an expected duration of three weeks. SGN will issue a notification with a letter drop to the surrounding areas on the week commencing the 16th of December. Once SGN’s work is complete, the Council’s contractor Ringway will return to site and resume activities as planned. The end date for the majority of the project’s scope remains May 2025, with carriageway resurfacing on Belvedere Road scheduled for completion in June 2025.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we progress with these improvements.

Details of the Public Realm Improvements

Concert Hall Approach will be pedestrianised, with servicing access for businesses. Planting will be introduced and accessibility increased by re-paving and de-cluttering the space, and by the introduction of new seating. A dedicated zebra crossing will be introduced at Belvedere Road to help pedestrians move through the area safely. 

Specific measures are: 

• Pedestrianisation of Concert Hall Approach with access permitted for deliveries
• Re-paving of the whole area to ensure a flush, safe, accessible and high-quality surface 
• Pavement widening on Concert Hall Approach and Belvedere Road 
• Introduction of a long bench and planter to the edge of the Whitehouse Apartments, on Concert Hall Approach 
• Introduction of planters on Concert Hall Approach and Belvedere Road 
• Introduction of rain gardens on Belvedere Road
• Improvements to the tree pits, introducing a permeable and flexible surface 
• Retention of existing mature trees on Concert Hall Approach and Belvedere Road 
• Replacement of existing lighting columns on Concert Hall Approach 
• Introduction of public protection measures across the scheme area

Further Information

For further information, or to ask questions or raise concerns please contact SouthBankSpineRoute@lambeth.gov.uk

The South Bank Spine Route Masterplan

The Council published the South Bank Spine Route Masterplan last year, setting out designs to enhance the Spine Route, a key movement corridor connecting Jubilee Gardens, the South Bank Centre, the National Theatre and Bernie Spain Gardens. 

The designs reimagine the local streets, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, improving the public realm and making the area a more climate resilient and inclusive place for everyone. This will be achieved by the introduction of high quality public realm, planting and trees and new pedestrian spaces, and through the restriction of through traffic. 

This is a multimillion-pound investment in the public realm of the area to celebrate and highlight the South Bank’s unique characteristics as an international destination, to support the creative cluster of organisations and to create and reanimate public spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and safe for people living, working, and visiting the area. 

The South Bank Spine Route masterplan is the result of partnership working and consultation and engagement within the local area conducted between 2019 and 2022.