This thesis investigates some of the effects of locating offices near British Rail termini in central London, within the context of current strategic and local plans. A review is made of literature on theories of central area structure, office location, accessibility, development and transport interchanges, and pedestrian movement, including walking speed, distances, detour factors and mechanical aids. Previous studies of the relationship between home and central workplace location and sectorisation patterns are reassessed. Results from commuter travel surveys from other sources are re-analysed and a 1975 travel survey at the Shell Centre is processed and the results compared with earlier surveys. Central Area office growth between 1961 and 1976 is mapped and office floorspace/worker ratios discussed. A preliminary survey of types of offices clustering near the termini is reported. A spatial model for central London is formulated, the "transition zone nuclear growth theory". Greater London Transportation Survey and Census data are used to assess walking distances between workplaces and transport nodes, and to provide an input into a model, which attempts to predict the number of commuters who would use a nearby terminal or station. The relative accessibility of various locations for British Rail commuters is calculated. A case study compares the Victoria and Oxford Circus areas, in both land use and transport terms, including development opportunities, overcrowding on tube services, and costs in time and fares. Results are compared with those of travel surveys. An urban design case study examines redevelopment opportunities near the termini and suggests a pedestrian network to assist commuter walk trips, and link new development in the transition zones to the traditional business area. Conclusions compare the transport and land use advantages and disadvantages of the concept and list specific findings. Recommendations are made for changes in planning policies, further research, and immediate action.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:635433 |
| Date | January 1977 |
| Creators | Parker, John Richard |
| Contributors | Professor Ray Maw |
| Publisher | University of Westminster |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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