Superzone results in 12% rise in active travel in Westminster school
Edqard Wilson Primary school is hailing the “cleaner air, safer streets and kids moving more” as a result of Westminster’s “trailblazing” Superzone project. On 6th May, Councillor Nafiska Butler-Thalassis, Councillor David Boothroyd and Leader of the Council Councillor Adam Hug, along with representatives from the Greater London Authority, visited the school to mark the success of the project and discuss its next steps.
“Children’s voices have been at the heart of the Superzone from the start,” Westminster council says. “Through workshops and engagement activities, pupils, parents, and staff have helped shape local priorities and actions from improving air quality and active travel to creating greener, safer streets.”
Aside from the school Superzone, Edward Wilson Primary is Westminster’s first accredited Asthma Friendly School, with tailored interventions to support children with respiratory conditions and improve overall health and wellbeing. Four other schools have also followed suit, College Park Bayswater, College Park Hallfield, Pimlico Primary, and Marylebone Boys School.
“We wouldn’t have achieved so much without the School Superzone project and the support of Public Health at Westminster City Council,” Edward Wilson Primary’s headteacher said.
The Superzone project resulted in a 12% increase in active travel and a TfL STARs Golf Accreditation for sustainable travel. The school has also installed green screens in the playground to reduce air pollution, and created a sensory garden for its new SEND resource centre. A living wall and school street zone are being implemented this summer.
A local park has seen improvements, including a wildflower meadow and designated safe space for girls.
“The Edward Wilson Superzone shows what can be achieved when we put communities at the heart of decision-making,” Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector, said. “This project is a brilliant example of partnership in action, helping us build a greener, healthier, and a fairer city for our children.”
Westminster says the Superzone “sets a blueprint for future school-based health initiatives across Westminster and beyond.”
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