Paddington has seen successive periods of rapid change since it was first developed, running parallel to the evolution of the surrounding infrastructure. Generations of canal, railway and road development have shaped Paddington’s urban form and dramatically impacted how the area is perceived and experienced. Previously home to the Paddington Goods Yard and prior to that the original railway station, the area once again underwent a transformation as a commercial hub, accelerated by the construction of Crossrail.

Publica conducted a wider area survey of Paddington Central to re-evaluate the site under British Land’s new ownership and consider key factors which might influence the design of the development sites at 4 and 5 Kingdom Street.

Our survey examined the history, infrastructure, routes and connections, development context and characteristics of Paddington Central and its surroundings. As Paddington redefines itself, there is a unique opportunity to build upon the area’s many assets to create a coherent piece of city with unifying character. British Land’s holdings at Paddington Central are integral to this narrative.

Alongside this, Publica led a perception study, conducting interviews and analysis with local occupiers, residents and stakeholders to build a fuller picture of Paddington and how it is experienced.

Paddington is a transport interchange. Paddington is a series of disconnected developments. Paddington is a burgeoning office destination. Paddington is a development opportunity. Paddington is a place people travel through rather than to. Paddington has massively improved as an area. Paddington is a value for money commercial location. Paddington is in a state of transition.

Building on the Wider Area Study and interview reports, we developed a Public Realm Vision for Paddington Central. Using an evidence-based methodology, the vision provides a comprehensive strategy to turn the estate ‘inside out’, setting out a series of overarching principles for the estate and its integration with the wider Paddington area. It outlines how improved programming and amenity, an increased diversity of uses and spaces and new materials and greenery would improve the public realm. It also presents detailed briefs for individual spaces within the estate and strategies for their future development.

Today, Paddington has transformed from a traffic-dominated interchange into a more active and safer historic gateway with rebalanced distinct canal, railway and road infrastructure that prioritises pedestrian and cyclist activity.