In 2022 Urban Growth partnered with Lambeth Council and InUse ReUse to work with the local community of Railton and Atlantic Roads in Brixton on a new street furniture design. This area is known for its vibrant heritage and we set out to capture that in the design. Railton Road was home to some of the most prominent speakers and writers of the 70s and 80s as well as being the heart of movements that shaped Brixton as we know it. Reflecting on this rich history, we knew that we wanted a street furniture design that was deeply contextualised within the area's past, present and future and that’s why we invited the local community to get involved.

Community Outreach

To truly capture the legacy and spirit of the area we had to understand what it meant to the community. In this first phase of the project we had many conversations with local residents and the wider community including business owners and community and cultural organisations. We gathered not only wonderful memories and feelings about this road but also how much it has evolved over time. Lurline Brown, a long-time resident, reflected on these changes:

“It was bubbling with different cultures, people from all walks of life. It was not so much restaurants but a place for different events. There was always something happening in Railton Road. There were children, sometimes having meetings at the square, where they had a playground. There was always a musical event going on, with different kinds of music being played. There were cars, vans. You always heard chattering, noise from the vans etc. Railton Road is not like that anymore. It’s calmer.”

— Lurline Brown

Entrepreneurship and championing local business have always been at the heart of the Railton Road community. This is where the iconic Winifred Atwell had her hairdressing salon and the now-closed Hamilton Arms was a much-frequented pub by local activists. Inevitably, the

landscape changes and new businesses replace the old ones, but the spirit of community and camaraderie lives on. Here’s what another resident, Alanna McAuley, had to say:

“Railton Road is a community artery! It connects local people to each other and to the local economy. I see it as having a ton of potential for a low-car lifestyle.”

— Alanna McAuley

Co-Design Sessions

Following conversations with the community, InUse ReUse hosted four co-design workshops at The Remakery, a local reuse community organisation, which were each attended by 10-13 members of the local community. The workshop participants represented a diverse mix of ethnicities and ages to try to ensure as many voices as possible were captured. All of the participants were either currently living in the area or grew up nearby.

In each workshop, there was a local business or resident present as a guest speaker. The participants learnt about the choice of materials that could be used for the street furniture as well as possible construction techniques from Vinny’s Metalworks. From the local gardening organisation Father Nature, they learnt about different plant selection options.

Following presentations, participants were given an array of materials to express their ideas. It was an opportunity to be imaginative as well as connect with other residents. In subsequent workshops, illustrations were mapped out in real size allowing participants to assess the usability and consider possible social interactions within their proposed designs.

Design Of The Railton and Atlantic Road Street Furniture

The InUse ReUse team is known for their innovative upcycled wood designs and so sustainability and recycling were always going to feature prominently in this project. Informed by the outcomes from the community co-design workshops they have created two beautiful benches and some cycle racks. We hope these objects will be a time capsule for future generations that preserves and honours the heritage of this area.