Soho is a complex and characterful district in the heart of London’s West End. It’s intricate network of streets and spaces stir with life 24 hours a day. The arrival of Crossrail in 2018 was set to reshape the area, unlocking new opportunities for social and economic activity while dramatically altering pedestrian flow into and around Soho. Its public realm needed to evolve to meet the needs of residents, businesses and new visitors.

Publica was commissioned by Westminster City Council, in conjunction with Transport for London and the London Borough of Camden, to conduct a detailed study of Soho’s streets to propose how future public realm improvements could be delivered to support the area’s ongoing transformation.

Publica created extensive mapping of Soho’s uses, character and street life, informed by detailed street and context surveys. The work was enriched by movement data and analysis by WSP. Combining in-person surveys, analysis and consultation, we identified key issues, opportunities and future challenges for the areas in order to propose improvements to pedestrian movement, materials, accessibility and cycling provision across Soho’s 11km of streets and alleyways.

The resulting Soho Public Realm Study outlines a transformational and principle-led framework for incremental improvements. It supports the creation of a more inclusive, intuitive and adaptable area that reflects Soho’s historic, hard-working, and much-loved eclectic character.