Prince Charles unveils plans for transformation of Chinatown » Local government » 24dash.com

A set of design proposals created by The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment to help London's Chinatown become more authentically Chinese have been presented for the first time.

Prince Charles has previously spoken of his desire to find ways to encourage the use of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and architectural practices using both UK and Chinese expertise to help transform Chinatown.

Within the recommendations are plans for Chinatown town to embody more traditional design and craftmanship through the creation of a timber pagoda, screen garden, and gold lanterns as well as a series of monthly crafts markets showcasing Chinese creative talents.

Chinese mythology and Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese system of designing buildings and arranging objects to ensure a favourable flow of energy will play a major role in the designs.

The proposals, developed in conjunction with Westminster City Council, have been submitted following a series of design workshops with the local Chinese community in Chinatown in May of this year.

Hank Dittmar Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation said: “Chinatown will be adapting to the challenges of the 21st century using the best of both Chinese and British craftsmanship to ensure the area retains its distinctive mix of both traditions. "

“The traditional buildings and street pattern of this part of Georgian London have adapted incredibly throughout the last century to accommodate the emerging Chinese life and culture and now plans are underway to make it even more vibrant.”

The full report is not due to be published until September, but Westminster City Council and The Prince’s Foundation have presented the initial findings to the London Chinatown Chinese Association, local landlords and developers and English Heritage.

Councillor Robert Davis, Westminster City Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “We are working towards the goal of making London’s Chinatown the best in the world, and although it clearly has its own distinct identity, these plans will help to make it become more authentic.

"These would form part of the next exciting phase for Chinatown following the multi-million pound programme of improvements already carried out in the area."

Other ideas which have stemmed from the May workshops include designating the nine entrances and exits into the Chinatown district with the names of the nine ancient Chinese dragons which are symbols of cosmic Chinese Chi energy - Yazi, Baxia, Jiaotu, Haoxian, Pulao, Suanmi, Bixi, Qiuniu and Chiwen. This will help to make Chinatown more visible to visitors.

The full report which is due to be published in September, is also expected to include calls for the opening of Leicester Square tube station’s closed entry point on the corner of Little Newport Street and Charing Cross Road for the first time since 1978 allowing Chinatown to have its own tube entrance.

It is hoped that a new pagoda for Newport Place should fulfil the aim of drawing on the expertise and skill of traditional Chinese craftsmanship as it will be created by Chinese craftspeople in a workshop in Chinatown which will be open to the public, allowing everyone to feel involved in its creation.

The design strategy for Chinatown intends to build on the multi-million pound make over by Westminster City Council, which has seen the main streets of the district, Gerrard Street and Lisle Street completely repaved and new lighting installed.

The improvements to Chinatown are part of Westminster’s One City Renewal programme which aims to improve the quality of design for buildings and spaces across Westminster. Westminster aims to compete with the other great cities across the globe in terms of the quality of its built environment.