In The News

Dear all,

I am writing to update you on the plans for the Oxford Street District. We remain committed to supporting the future success of the nation’s favourite high street and its surrounding neighbourhoods. As you know, the case for investing in this area is even stronger following the pandemic and we remain focused on doing everything we can to deliver on this alongside our partners.

We have already made huge strides in delivering some real improvements to Oxford Street and the surrounding district by working closely with the local community, including new greening and seating on Oxford Street itself, the exciting work on the new Soho photography quarter and improvements for cyclists and pedestrians across the whole area. Independent analysis has shown that by 2030 the Council’s vision for the district, including the £150m Council investment, could deliver an uplift of over £2bn in economic value creation and over 30,000 additional jobs that will benefit local communities.

However, we have always been clear that all improvements must benefit residents as well as businesses and visitors and we want to make sure we consult openly and fully with local groups to ensure that their views can shape any of our proposals or schemes. Having listened to our residents and reviewed the cost effectiveness of the proposal for a pilot for the Oxford Circus piazzas, we have decided that it’s better to move forward with a focus on permanent schemes.

Therefore, the temporary piazzas previously planned to open at Oxford Circus later this year will not now go ahead, along with all associated enabling street works. We’ll be focusing on engaging with residents and other stakeholders on potential permanent schemes for piazzas at Oxford Circus, along with associated enabling works. We will shortly share the engagement and consultation approach and timetable but in moving forward we are committed to meeting key tests of a clear business case, meaningful engagement, and complete clarity on impact on residents and costs.

We firmly believe that it is critical that residents remain involved throughout the process and look forward to discussing this further with you at our regular meeting with Amenity Societies and Neighbourhood Forums next week.

Councillor Matthew Green

Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning

Councillor for Little Venice Ward

STATEMENT ON OXFORD STREET: On Tuesday 14 September, Councillor Matthew Green, Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning, gave an update on Westminster City Council’s plans for improvements to Oxford Street and the surrounding district. Cllr Green explained that the Council remains “committed to supporting the future success of the nation’s favourite high street and its surrounding neighbourhoods” and that the Council is “clear that all improvements must benefit our residents as well as businesses and visitors”. The Council will therefore move forward with a focus on permanent schemes and on consulting and engaging openly and fully with local groups. The temporary piazzas previously planned to open at Oxford Circus later this year will not go ahead. Read Councillor Green’s statement in full here.