Designer for Kent transport system

A branding consultancy was due to be appointed for Kent Thames-side’s major new public transport system called Fastrack, as Design Week went to press.

Five unnamed groups were due to present credentials and proposals on Tuesday to Jeff Hennessey, executive director of the Kent Thames-side team, to create “a complete kit of parts for the new public transport system”, he says.

These groups were to present in partnership with urban design consultancies. Groups were asked to outline an urban design image and branding for vehicles, equipment and street furniture, informed by best practice examples from elsewhere.

The development programme of the area in the Thames Gateway is expected to last 20 years, providing up to 30 000 new homes and 50 000 new jobs. Fastrack’s branding and identity system needs to have “a sense of place and quality and regeneration”, says Hennessey.