Falcon Road rail bridge is set to get a colourful makeover in 2025 thanks to the winners of an architectural design competition run by Wandsworth Council and London Festival of Architecture.
The bridge will undergo a dramatic transformation, from a dark and unwelcoming route under the railway to becoming a vibrant and inclusive community landmark in the heart of Clapham Junction town centre.
The winning proposal, Beyond the Bridge, prioritises community engagement, sustainability, and safety, with a design that reflects the rich cultural identity of Wandsworth. The new bridge will open during Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture 2025.
The collaborative design team of GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA Consulting are addressing key community concerns such as safety, lighting, and noise reduction.
Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: “I’m delighted to welcome the winning bridge design team to Wandsworth to help us make a real difference to the Clapham Junction area and involve local people in the project.
“As part of our Decade of Renewal, the makeover to Falcon Road Bridge will be paid for by property developers. This new bridge design will provide a better and brighter route and create a new landmark for the borough during our year as London Borough of Culture 2025.”
About the winning design
Members of the GPAD-led design team have connections with the Wandsworth area and have put the local community, including young people, at the centre of their approach. They worked extensively with residents and organisations during the design process, reaching a final vision which will be meaningful to people who live, work or study here. Engagement activities included walking tours, creative workshops, and a Community Design Review Panel, fostering local pride and inclusivity.
Central to the design is the concept of community ownership:
- Dynamic Lighting: Responsive and artistic lighting enhances visibility and celebrates local cultural events, creating a vibrant and safe space day and night.
- Green Gateway: A focus on air quality and biodiversity introduces pollinator-friendly plants and accessible micro-gardens.
- Community Wayfinding and Art: The underpass features a 'Memories of Wandsworth' wayfinding wall, co-designed with local residents, celebrating landmarks and stories through art and dynamic murals.
- Acoustic Comfort: Panels integrated with artistic elements reduce noise and improve comfort for all users, including neurodivergent individuals.
Rosa Rogina, Director of London Festival of Architecture said: “Beyond the Bridge beautifully embodies the spirit of transformation and inclusivity that is at the heart of the London Festival of Architecture. By weaving the voices and stories of Wandsworth’s communities into the design, this project celebrates local identity in a deeply meaningful way. We are thrilled to see such a visionary and community-focused proposal come to life, redefining Falcon Road Bridge as a landmark of connection, creativity, and pride for all who pass through it.”
GPAD and POoR Collective said: “We are delighted to be selected to design the Transformation of Falcon Road Bridge. We know the area very well as the team have worked with local schools and have co-designed installations nearby. We are super excited to co-design another project in Wandsworth and include local young people, residents, and community groups throughout the process. This project gives opportunity for meaningful community engagement that will help shape the design to enrich the local environment for residents and visitors alike.”
Looking ahead
This project marks a key milestone ahead of Wandsworth becoming the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture 2025, where culture is at the heart of developing a people-led approach to improving health, happiness and equality of opportunity.
The winning design will be developed further through continued engagement with the Wandsworth community, with installation scheduled for completion by Autumn 2025. This project underscores the power of design to transform urban spaces, creating a lasting legacy for Wandsworth and its residents.
The improvement project will address the bridge’s challenges and enhance the area around Clapham Junction Station, working with local partners including Network Rail.
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