Architects, designers and artists are invited to draw up site-specific concepts for new creative and engaging interventions which could boost the quality of public life in the south London town centre which hosts the southern terminus of London Undergrounds Northern Line.The Morden Moments competition backed by the London Borough of Merton aims to activate and enrich local public spaces while also reflecting the areas distinctive character and enhancing community identity.The open call features two sites Station Yard with a 60,000+VAT budget and Abbotsbury Road and Abbotsbury Circus with a 83,000+VAT budget and responds to this years LFA theme of Voices encouraging creative responses that reflect diverse perspectives.AdvertisementThe winning concept or concepts, to be announced during LFA in June, will be installed in time for next years LFA and the centenary of Morden station opening, and will remain on site for around five years ahead of long-term improvements to the area.Rosa Rogina, LFA director said: Public spaces play a vital role in shaping how we experience the city, and Morden Moments offers a fantastic platform for designers to explore how small interventions can make a big impact.We are excited to see proposals that celebrate the voices of Mordens community while embracing the potential of design to create meaningful connections in the urban environment.Eleanor Stringer, Merton Council councillor and deputy leader and cabinet member for civic pride and climate change, said: Morden is the thriving civic heart of our borough, and home to a vibrant and diverse community.There is already so much to be proud of in Morden, from its beautiful green spaces, great connections, small businesses, and community groups. I'm looking forward to seeing how the proposals will amplify, enhance and celebrate more of what the area has to offer for the benefit of local people.AdvertisementMorden is a major suburban town centre that witnessed rapid growth following the opening of southern extension of the Northern Line in 1926. The town centre hosts Merton Councils civic centre along with Morden Hall Park and the Wandle Trail.The latest contest comes just four months after Merton Council named Charles Holland Architects the winner of its competition for a bold and striking new 90,000 temporary bandstand in nearby Mitcham.The Morden Moments contest seeks proposals to upgrade local public spaces and deliver moments of pause, interaction, and reflection for residents and visitors. Proposals must incorporate durable materials and provide long-term usability while also support the councils aim of making Morden a more welcoming, dynamic, and sustainable town centre.The first contest site, Station Yard, is a large disused public space located behind the underground station and close to a car park. The second site, Abbotsbury Road and Abbotsbury Circus, offers an opportunity for streetscape improvements and a new civic gateway.Round one applications will be evaluated 60 per cent on team profile and 40 per cent on initial vision. Applications should include biographies, a 200-word practice description, examples of previous work and a short response outlining reasons for applying, response to the brief and approach to community engagement.Six shortlisted teams will each receive a 1,000+VAT honorarium to draw up design proposals during the contests second round.The winning team or teams will receive either 60,000+VAT for Station Yard and/or 83,000+VAT for Abbotsbury Road and Abbotsbury Circus to develop and deliver their concept in time for next summer.Competition detailsProject title Morden MomentsClient London Borough of MertonContract value 143,000+VATFirst round deadline Midday, 8 May 2025Restrictions The competition is open to emerging architects, landscape architects, designers and artists. Collaborations are welcome; however, the project must be actively led by a named emerging architect, designer or creative. Applicants need to fulfil at least two of the following criteria to be eligible for this competition:being no more than seven years post-graduate, from your most recentqualificationbeing under 40set up your practice / collaboration in the past three yearsThe judges strongly encourage submissions from, or collaborations with groups who are underrepresented in architecture. They are particularly interested in seeing applications from local organisations or those working in partnership with community groups based in MordenJudges TbcMore information https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/morden-moments-a-new-design-competition-for-morden-town-centre/