Architecture Update: 'Albertropolis' on the drawing boards

WHILE the Albert Memorial continues to languish behind scaffolding, a major face-lift to the South Kensington museum district is taking shape. Known as 'Albertropolis', the ambitious proposal is the brainchild of Neil Cossons, director of the Science Museum. Mr Cossons believes the area between South Kensington tube station and the Albert Hall needs up to pounds 50m of improvements and has asked five firms of architects to come up with ideas, ranging from landscaping to a redesign of the walkway running underneath Exhibition Road. Meanwhile, Terry Farrell's elaborate plans to rebuild the station and sweep away a delightful complex of old buildings, shops and restaurants were submitted to planners last week.