Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate yesterday revealed proposals to pedestrianise large areas of the West End.
The proposals involve converting Regent Street St James’s into a traffic-free area, creating more than 35,000 square metres of public space at Piccadilly Circus, whilst improving nearby cycling and pedestrian routes.
In a statement released yesterday, the council confirmed the launch of its public consultation on the development plans and invited members of the community to share feedback about the proposals before the deadline on August 10.
The local authority has argued the project will transform the area into a ‘greener, more inclusive and accessible world-class destination’, providing benefits for local businesses, workers, residents and visitors.
Whilst Regent Street ‘draws over 57,000 visitors daily’, the council has identified climate concerns, crowded pavements and a lack of rest places as threats to the ‘future resilience’ of the area.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development at Westminster City Council, said: ‘By removing traffic from Regent Street St James’s and expanding pedestrian space at Piccadilly Circus, we’re creating a new network of public spaces that will serve Londoners for generations.’
‘We need to ensure the West End’s diverse ecosystem continues to thrive, with world-class public spaces that support business, talent and investment. This will allow us to maintain the area’s status as the UK’s cultural and entertainment capital, and as a driver of national growth’, added Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director – Development at The Crown Estate.
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