Long-awaited plans for giving London’s Oxford Street a “much needed facelift” have gone to public consultation.
Westminster City Council and the New West End Company have proposed public realm improvements along the 1.8km length of the street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, W1.
The Oxford Street Programme aims to improve the “overall appearance and usability of the street” by increasing pedestrianised space, enhancing lighting and adding more green areas with seating.
Junctions adjoining the street would be redesigned to create more space for pedestrians. The council would install 12 new controlled pedestrian crossings and improve 45 existing crossing points.
The consultation will run until 31 August.
Reaction to the proposals has so far been mixed. Richard Scott of Nash Bond said the proposals lacked pedestrian-only areas and therefore “do not go far enough”.
Scott said: “The new Oxford Street proposals continue a long evolution of upgrades. The street, in particular east of Oxford Circus, has seen great change and improvement with new developments completed and leased.
“As many developers seek global occupiers for new buildings West of Oxford Circus, the shopping environment is key in attracting the best brands. The proposals do not appear to go far enough in addressing the requirements of a modern global shopping thoroughfare, however, providing no areas of pedestrian footfall only.”
Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development at Westminster City Council, said: “The West End constantly needs to adapt if it is to continue draw to shoppers from around the country and around the world. We have great brands such as Selfridges and John Lewis, and we’re pleased that, Ikea and HMV will both be opening on Oxford Street later this year. But we need to innovate and ensure we can offer a top-class experience for everyone.
“I want Oxford Street to be a place local communities, residents and visitors and businesses can feel pride in. New West End Company and Westminster City Council have a long track record in successful collaboration and are looking forward to working in partnership to keep Oxford Street thriving.”
Dee Corsi, chief executive at the NWEC, said: “The proposed enhancement of Oxford Street’s public realm infrastructure is part of a bigger, once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity to regenerate one of the world’s most iconic retail and leisure destinations.
“This partnership between NWEC and WCC is happening against a backdrop of wider, positive shifts in the market; from the progress of ambitious, multi-use redevelopment projects to the signing of new global flagships, and the return of iconic brands such as HMV.
“We are already seeing increased footfall and dwell time as a result of the Elizabeth Line, which underscores the need for an enhanced visitor experience that will encourage more visitors to come more often and stay for longer.”
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