SPADES HIT THE GROUND ON GREENER OXFORD STREET
Work is underway on interventions that will make more space for people, add trees and greenery, introduce seating and cycle parking and create pocket parks throughout the Oxford Street District.
Grace Catenaccio from Publica, Elad Eisenstein from Westminster City Council, Lucy Musgrave and Charlotte Lord from Publica
Westminster City Council has kicked off its ambitious reinvention of the Oxford Street District, in its first steps to “paving the way for an economic recovery”
The temporary measures, which are due to be completed by late Spring 2021, are set to create a welcoming and safe environment for residents, workers and visitors when lockdown restrictions are eased, helping retailers, restaurants, cafes and other businesses in the area to bounce back.
The initial project will transform the look and feel of Oxford Street and improve air quality – creating a cleaner, greener modern high street with:
— 25 new mature trees – an increase of 40 per cent
— Over 1,500 new plants from 65 different species
— 55 new seating areas – double the current number of benches
The first phase of work, which will be in place for a period of 18 months, will also see bus bays consolidated to make space for pocket parks complete with play areas and lighting installations.
“The pandemic has been a hammer blow for retailers and Oxford Street has suffered as much or more than any other high street in the country,” said Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council.
“It is critical that we act urgently to restore confidence in the nation’s favourite shopping district,” she added. “These initial measures will literally pave the way for an economic recovery. They will create a new visitor-friendly environment and reinforce the area as one of the best places in the world to live, work, shop and visit.”
These are just the first in a series of Council led projects repositioning Oxford Street as the centre of a world leading retail and leisure district and boosting confidence in the West End.
Last month the council launched its framework for the Oxford Street District, which will serve as the blueprint to reinvent the high street for a post pandemic recovery and, crucially, for the longer term.
It reimagines the nation’s favourite high street through the following themes; Greener, Smarter, Future and Together to create a globally competitive centre for innovative retail, commercial activities, culture and living.
Recognised worldwide as a leading shopping destination and attracting around 200 million visitors in a normal year, Westminster City Council is leading a coalition of partners to reinvent the area and deliver further improvement projects.
At the heart of the plans is a strong focus on economic recovery and adaptation – ensuring businesses and communities have the best possible conditions to safely reopen.
For more information, visit the Oxford Street District Website
Projects ⋅ March 2021
See more
SPADES HIT THE GROUND ON GREENER OXFORD STREET
Work is underway on interventions that will make more space for people, add trees and greenery, introduce seating and cycle parking and create pocket parks throughout the Oxford Street District.
Grace Catenaccio from Publica, Elad Eisenstein from Westminster City Council, Lucy Musgrave and Charlotte Lord from Publica
Westminster City Council has kicked off its ambitious reinvention of the Oxford Street District, in its first steps to “paving the way for an economic recovery”
The temporary measures, which are due to be completed by late Spring 2021, are set to create a welcoming and safe environment for residents, workers and visitors when lockdown restrictions are eased, helping retailers, restaurants, cafes and other businesses in the area to bounce back.
The initial project will transform the look and feel of Oxford Street and improve air quality – creating a cleaner, greener modern high street with:
— 25 new mature trees – an increase of 40 per cent
— Over 1,500 new plants from 65 different species
— 55 new seating areas – double the current number of benches
The first phase of work, which will be in place for a period of 18 months, will also see bus bays consolidated to make space for pocket parks complete with play areas and lighting installations.
“The pandemic has been a hammer blow for retailers and Oxford Street has suffered as much or more than any other high street in the country,” said Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council.
“It is critical that we act urgently to restore confidence in the nation’s favourite shopping district,” she added. “These initial measures will literally pave the way for an economic recovery. They will create a new visitor-friendly environment and reinforce the area as one of the best places in the world to live, work, shop and visit.”
These are just the first in a series of Council led projects repositioning Oxford Street as the centre of a world leading retail and leisure district and boosting confidence in the West End.
Last month the council launched its framework for the Oxford Street District, which will serve as the blueprint to reinvent the high street for a post pandemic recovery and, crucially, for the longer term.
It reimagines the nation’s favourite high street through the following themes; Greener, Smarter, Future and Together to create a globally competitive centre for innovative retail, commercial activities, culture and living.
Recognised worldwide as a leading shopping destination and attracting around 200 million visitors in a normal year, Westminster City Council is leading a coalition of partners to reinvent the area and deliver further improvement projects.
At the heart of the plans is a strong focus on economic recovery and adaptation – ensuring businesses and communities have the best possible conditions to safely reopen.
For more information, visit the Oxford Street District Website
Projects ⋅ March 2021
See more