A return to a once familiar area can be a revelation. Last night I found myself in Bankside, London. In the 1990s, I would often find myself working in the office late into the evening. As a young woman, I found the late evening walk to the tube too dark, quiet and even unsafe.
Last night, I was amazed at the area's transformation. It really highlights what can be achieved with well-coordinated urban planning and renewal. Just look at the photos.
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| Colourful building with brightly-lit ground floor |
The area has been filled with much brighter office buildings, a new retail area and wider pavements with clear visibility.
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| Blue Fin Building and retail outlets in Bankside |
The old dark, hidden doorways are gone. The lights of shops and offices remain on even outside normal business hours casting light onto the pavements.
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| Uplighting, low-lighting and lit trees |
Additional lighting has been added at various levels. I loved the uplighting of trees. Hedges are kept small and well-lit.
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| Low-lighting near NatWest Bank and Bankside offices |
The sign on the front of the Citizen M Hotel read 'Another World is Possible'. My experience was a complete contrast with my past memories of the area. It felt that I had stepped into a new world with a bright future.
Karen Andrews is a freelance French to English translator/transcreator, content writer and editor. She has a strong background in marketing and project management.
Email Karen for further information via karenanglicityen@gmail.com in French, German or English.
