The winning team selected for the estimated £45,000 contract will advance existing RIBA Stage 2+ plans to upgrade the busy Half Penny Steps bridge and pocket park. The project – planned to complete in 2027 – aims to transform the under-utilised public open space on the borough’s border with Kensington & Chelsea into a ‘vibrant and lush canalside terrace.’ Key aims include introducing new planting, feature lighting, amphitheatre-style seating and a community mooring point. The search for a design team comes six months after DK-CM completed a concept report looking at options for renewing several sites across the North Paddington Canalside area.Advertisement According to the brief: ‘WCC [is] looking to appoint a high quality, creative and capable team that can work to tight deadlines and collaboratively with ourselves and the wider team to deliver this unique opportunity. ‘The lead consultant is expected to be an expert in landscape design for this project. The team are expected to draw together the wealth of existing work into a holistic and coherent RIBA Stage 3 design. ‘The consultant will be expected to develop designs with a sound awareness of feasibility and budget. The successful consultant will need to demonstrate that they have access to a multi-disciplinary skill set either in house or by bringing together specialist subconsultants and/or delivery partners.’ The latest commission comes just three months after Allies and Morrison won a competition held by Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate to overhaul the public realm on London’s Regent Street and the surrounding areas. Earlier this year Hugh Broughton completed an upgrade of WCs at Victoria Embankment, part of a wider programme covering eight public conveniences across the City of Westminster.Advertisement Bids for the latest commission will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employer’s liability insurance of £5 million, public liability insurance of £5 million and professional indemnity insurance of £2 million. Competition details Project title BT199 - Half Penny Steps Landscape Commission Client Contract value £280,000 First round deadline 5pm, 25 April 2025 Restrictions Tbc More information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/014279-2025