PRP’s delivery of a vision for change, through collaborative regeneration and a contemporary response to local character.
This project envisages the comprehensive phased regeneration of Wornington Green, an aging 1960s estate, to create a mixed-use, mixed tenure community. The site sits at the northern end of Portobello Road, famous for its diverse and eclectic street market. The historic connection between Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove was severed when the Estate was built in the 1960s, destroying the ancient lane and Victorian street pattern, and disconnecting the estate from its surrounding context. The layout of the estate inhibited permeability from the surrounding streets and terminated Portobello Road within the layout, concealing the historical position of this important road.
PRP’s proposal identifies with its surroundings celebrating the rich history through reconnecting to the existing urban fabric and forming a new vernacular. Our approach is what we call ‘contextual reintegration’. This design philosophy ensures that the proposal complements the neighbouring urban fabric, and reinstates a number of historic road positions from Portobello Road and Wornington Road to Ladbroke Grove.
The approach, which uses a highly legible street and public space based layout incorporating street variety, enhanced green infrastructure and improved connectivity ensures a safe, well used and attractive new urban place for west London. PRP led numerous community engagement events from the very early stages of exploring options. This ensured that the established and surrounding communities could discuss and contribute to the potential changes for their neighbourhood. The contemporary interpretation of Kensington residential streets encourages inclusive communities, and social interaction in a beautiful environment.
Spyros Katsaros, Director, Urban Design & Masterplanning, PRP
Brief Biography
Spyros Katsaros has over fourteen years of masterplanning and urban design experience across a diverse range of environments, densities and scales. He joined PRP directly after he completed his architectural and urban design studies in the UK. His architectural knowledge allows him to understand and incorporate the architectural concepts surrounding urban design strategies. He has experience in coordinating the design development of large projects in conjunction with local authorities, developers and other planning consultants, while facilitating community and stakeholder consultation.
He has exceptional knowledge when it comes to designing and implementing responsive and inclusive stakeholder engagement strategies, bringing his understanding of key elements of the local community and the co-production process, which is hugely beneficial in helping schemes progress within programme.
Spyros is the director of the Urban Design and Masterplanning team at PRP, where through a diverse portfolio they are leading in the preparation of urban design documentation and guidance, visions and regeneration schemes, including Western Ebbsfleet Village, Stevenage Town Centre and the High Path Estate in Merton. He has also led on the urban design and the community engagement aspects of a number of significant projects currently being delivered including Portobello Square, Maiden Lane and the Chobham Manor masterplan, one of the Olympic legacy sites.
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