Walpole Road Underpass, New Cross, London Borough of Lewisham
The Walpole Road underpass was Identified in the Deptford and New Cross Masterplan and North Lewisham Links Strategy as a key refurbishment project on a strategic east west pedestrian and cycle route through a deprived, vehicular dominated area of south-east London. The underpass, which forms part of the London Cycle Network, was identified as a priority opportunity for public art installation on the strategic route. The idea for the art installation was developed with pupils at a local secondary school working with a Deptford-based artist; the concept was to bring the life and landscape of the neighbouring park into the tunnel, populating the walls and floors. The project was completed in 2011 within a budget of £0.5 million. Together with Fordham Park, the project was Highly Commended at the Landscape Institute Awards 2012 and has been identified as one of the ‘Mayor’s Great Spaces’.
