‘Square’ Camden High Street: A New Design Competition for Camden Town

The London Festival of Architecture, in collaboration with the London Borough of Camden, is delighted to launch ‘Square’ Camden High Street – a new design competition that invites architects, designers, and artists to reimagine a key stretch of Camden High Street as a vibrant, inclusive public space.

As part of Camden’s ambitious trial pedestrianisation of Camden High Street, this open call seeks innovative proposals that breathe new life into the public realm, reflect the spirit of the area, and explore what a ‘square’ can mean in today’s urban context – spatially, socially, or playfully.

The winning team will have the opportunity to work closely with Camden Council to deliver a bold and creative intervention that enhances the everyday experience of this iconic high street and leaves a lasting legacy for its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Reclaiming the Street

Running from 2025 to 2026, Camden’s 18-month pedestrianisation trial will reclaim a section of Camden High Street from motor traffic and transform it into a safe, people-first environment. The design competition forms a centrepiece of this initiative, offering a platform to test fresh ideas for creating healthy, accessible and engaging public space.

Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, added, “The London Festival of Architecture competition is great news for Camden Town. Our trial pedestrianisation on Camden High Street is all about creating safer and healthier public places, and we’re looking forward to seeing how entries to the LFA can connect our communities and celebrate our grassroots culture.”

A Community-Driven Future

The Camden High Street Cultural Programme will run alongside the pedestrianisation from May 2025 to April 2026, showcasing a seasonally driven series of events that highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage and diverse communities.

Recent public consultation on the proposed changes received an overwhelmingly positive response, with support for thoughtful interventions such as outdoor seating, more greenery, and improved accessibility. The ‘Square’ Camden High Street competition builds directly on this momentum, aiming to deliver an installation that responds to local aspirations and inspires long-term change.

How to Enter

The competition is open to early-career and established practitioners alike. A total budget of approximately £100,000 + VAT has been allocated, including a £12,500 design fee for the winning team.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to develop their concepts in collaboration with local stakeholders, with the final design realised as part of the pedestrianisation trial.

The deadline for submissions is 12:00, Thursday 15 May 2025.