It is yet to have its official opening and the final paving was only put in last week but Lyric Square, on King Street, Hammersmith, has already been shortlisted for not one but two prestigious street design awards.
The impressive new public space has been shortlisted by the Local Government News (LGN) Street Design Awards panel as well as the Hammersmith Society. The LGN Street Design Awards aims to reward councils that have shown innovation and good practice in developing and improving streets and public spaces.
Lyric Square, which has had over £1m spent on it, has been shortlisted by judges in the pedestrian environment category.
Cllr Dame Sally Powell, Deputy for Regeneration at the council, said: “We wanted to put the heart back into Hammersmith and I am delighted that the creation of Lyric Square has been recognised at both national and local level. I know that regardless of whether we win either of these awards, Lyric Square will become a vibrant and exciting public space for all of the borough’s residents.”
The square has been transformed from a featureless street into a vibrant new open space. A fountain in the middle of the square is surrounded by a circle of black stone, which is in turn surrounded by limestone paving. Cafés in the square are being encouraged to set out tables and chairs in the summer months and a grove of young robinnia trees has been planted to provide shade and add some greenery to the area.
The south side of Lyric Square, which is the biggest single scheme in the council’s smarter borough programme, will be kept free of lighting columns and other street furniture to allow space for a market and various events and performances throughout the year.
Judging for the Local Government News Street Design Awards takes place towards the end of May with the Hammersmith Society announcement made on June 2.
May 15, 2005
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