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News
Life-size tram carriage stops off at Southwark housing estate
20 April 2007
Ref: 5483
A life-size tram carriage went on display in Southwark when Transport for London (TfL) launched its first local consultation on the proposed scheme.
The council and TfL held a joint exhibition on the Aylesbury Estate to show the importance of the Cross River Tram project to the major regeneration schemes both there and at the Elephant and Castle. TfL also took the opportunity to gather local views on the benefits and impact of the tram. The exhibition follows the recent Cross River Tram 'route options' public consultation.
Cllr Nick Stanton, leader of Southwark Council, said: “We have shown how the Cross River Tram supports regeneration by improving the image of an area and making it easier to get to, while also supporting the long-term future by introducing permanent fixed transport links.
"The tram’s green credentials also make it an attractive option. Fewer cars means less pollution; the Croydon Tramlink has reduced the number of car journeys by four million trips each year.”
Hundreds of people dropped in to the exhibition which showed the benefits that a tram route would bring to the regeneration areas at the Aylesbury Estate and Elephant and Castle.
TfL received a high degree of support from Southwark businesses and residents during the formal route option consultation in 2006. Some of their comments were presented for the first time at the event and included:
“It would be great if this route could improve the park by increasing visitors and lighting.”
“We need to sort out depot first.”
“I am sure it will be a wonderful experience crossing Burgess Park every day. It is a great open space for us all.”
“Please, bring the tram to Peckham.”
The full analysis of over 5,000 responses TfL received will be available on the following link opens in a new window www.connectingsouthwark.com in early June 2007.
Notes for editors:
1. The exhibition was held on Thursday 12 April 2007 from 3pm-8pm at Thurlow Lodge Community Hall, Unit 1a Wendover, Thurlow St, SE17 2US.
2. For background information on the tram see: www.connectingsouthwark.com
Cross River Tram will be a world class tram service running between Euston and Waterloo, with branches to Camden Town and King's Cross in the north and Peckham and Brixton in the south. Developed by Transport for London, the street-running tram will be 16.5 km long, connected to the Oyster network, and powered by electricity.
66 million passengers are expected each year, with trams linking with 11 London Underground stations and four major rail stations, including the future international terminal at King's Cross.
3. Elephant and Castle
Major regeneration is underway which will see the area completely transformed by 2014. Plans include:
* 5,300 new homes
* 75,000 m2 of new shopping space
* five new open spaces
* a series of landmark buildings
* a new civic centre
* more than 4,000 new jobs
* improvements to transport links, including a new station, upgraded tube connections, new bus and cycle lanes and better facilities for pedestrians
Cross River Tram will contribute to the regeneration of Elephant and Castle by enhancing the transport hub and assisting the shift away from private car use, in favour of public transport, cycling and walking. Cross River Tram will also enliven the street scene in Elephant and Castle, and will help to attract major retail, commercial, residential and leisure investment.
4. Aylesbury Estate
Southwark Council has agreed to redevelop the Aylesbury Estate to improve quality of life for all residents. The estate will be demolished in stages and a new sustainable community will be created. This will include 2,200 homes for rent and a further 2,700 homes for sale or shared ownership. Other amenities will be replaced or upgraded, including health, childcare and youth facilities.
A tram route through the heart of the Aylesbury neighbourhood will assist in attracting new investment, and will vastly improve transport connections into central London for local residents.
5. TfL
The route options public consultation closed in December 2006. In summer of 2007, a preferred route will be published and will be subject to further consultation, prior to a public inquiry being held. This process could take up to two years to complete. If the scheme is approved, construction will be complete by 2016.
