The Crown Estate has signed a deal with a new cycle storage concept that it hopes will encourage more people back to the office.
The landlord has agreed a deals with Bike-Drop to open two bike-parking Drops pop-ups at 61 Great Portland Street and 56-60 Conduit Street, both W1. The The Great Portland Street unit extends to 1,545 sq ft and the Conduit unit to 4,430 sq ft. The two facilities will open on 31 August and 7 September respectively.
The Crown said the deal was part of its plans to use its central London portfolio to help “restart and reopen the West End in a safe and sustainable way”.
The Crown is also working with TfL, Westminster City Council, other landowners and local BIDs to introduce a range of measures to make it easier for people to visit the West End. This has included introducing temporary traffic management arrangements to enable safer cycle and pedestrian routes and to create space for social distancing.
James Cooksey, director of central London at the Crown Estate, said: “This is one of many ways we’re working to deliver a safe and sustainable reopening of the West End, adapting our spaces to ensure we’re responding to customers and visitor’s changing needs.
“Bike-Drop is a great new concept and will make a fantastic addition to the area, enabling many more of our shoppers, commuters and residents to take advantage of sustainable, Covid-safe travel.”
Justin Lee, founder of Bike-Drop, added: “Cycling into London is not new. The need, however, to find conveniently located, safe and secure bike parking, is a concept long overdue in our cities. Working with the Crown Estate, we hope to prove this concept is viable and open multiple Drops across London.
“In expanding Bike-Drop, our aim is to redefine the daily commute, a trip to the West End for shopping, or for residents who simply do not have the space for their bicycle at home. Our focus in providing added value to cyclists truly enables Bike-Drop to promote a new lifestyle choice as we enter the new normal.”
The Crown hopes to open further sites across its estate.
Bike-Drop was launched in June this year, with the vision of redefining people’s journey’s to central London and making cycling part of our new daily routine.
The Drops facilities provide valet-style, safe and secure bike parking, and once the concept is developed, will potentially include shower and changing facilities. Customers will be able to make a reservation by the day, week or month.
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette
