PUBLICA AND WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LAUNCH VISION FOR FUTURE OF OXFORD STREET DISTRICT
Detailed across a 44-page framework document, the ambitious vision for the district’s future captures the values and needs of its community more than ever.
Westminster City Council has launched an ‘ambitious and meaningful’ vision for the future of the Oxford Street District, which will enhance the area in its entirety while responding to long-standing opportunities and challenges as well as the significant new ones presented by the pandemic.
A framework document, developed by Publica in collaboration with Westminster City Council, sets out the comprehensive programme of improvements, and the ways in which the Oxford Street District will transform over the coming years.
Working together with the council, Publica has ensured design quality and adherence to the overall vision throughout the upcoming delivery packages, and as Design Guardian for the project will continue to oversee and shape the holistic design and delivery of the Council’s plan to strengthen the district’s iconic status as one of the world’s leading places to live, visit, shop and work.
“This is a landmark project for London, Westminster City Council and Publica alike,” said Lucy Musgrave, Publica’s Founding Director. “The framework sets out a hugely ambitious and exciting vision for a world-famous street and its surrounding areas, which will in turn work to better serve its community and businesses.”
“As Design Guardian for the Oxford Street District, we have been involved with this project for a number of years, and the launch of the framework document marks an incredible moment for us as a team.”
The Oxford Street District is a major part of the West End and among the world’s most visited destinations. Approximately 200 million people visit the district each year, around 70 per cent of whom arrive by public transport. It is also home to over 38,000 residents and employs over 155,000 people.
In recent years, deterioration of the building stock and public realm, as well as pedestrian congestion and high traffic volumes, have combined to cause significant issues in the area. These have impacted local residents, businesses and visitors alike.
A rapidly changing retail environment, the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, pose new challenges and opportunities. Westminster City Council recognises the need for a coordinated district-wide approach and that the pandemic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink this important piece of London.
The aim is to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference, both in the short-term and into the future. With elements of delivery already underway and through ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and partners, the Oxford Street District delivery programme will unlock the district’s true potential, securing its success and growth for generations to come.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvent the nation’s high street, reinforcing its status as a global exemplar and cultural, leisure and economic powerhouse,” said Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council. “We will work closely with our partners, stakeholders and communities to shape the future of this incredible piece of London.”
Projects ⋅ February 2021
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PUBLICA AND WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LAUNCH VISION FOR FUTURE OF OXFORD STREET DISTRICT
Detailed across a 44-page framework document, the ambitious vision for the district’s future captures the values and needs of its community more than ever.
Westminster City Council has launched an ‘ambitious and meaningful’ vision for the future of the Oxford Street District, which will enhance the area in its entirety while responding to long-standing opportunities and challenges as well as the significant new ones presented by the pandemic.
A framework document, developed by Publica in collaboration with Westminster City Council, sets out the comprehensive programme of improvements, and the ways in which the Oxford Street District will transform over the coming years.
Working together with the council, Publica has ensured design quality and adherence to the overall vision throughout the upcoming delivery packages, and as Design Guardian for the project will continue to oversee and shape the holistic design and delivery of the Council’s plan to strengthen the district’s iconic status as one of the world’s leading places to live, visit, shop and work.
“This is a landmark project for London, Westminster City Council and Publica alike,” said Lucy Musgrave, Publica’s Founding Director. “The framework sets out a hugely ambitious and exciting vision for a world-famous street and its surrounding areas, which will in turn work to better serve its community and businesses.”
“As Design Guardian for the Oxford Street District, we have been involved with this project for a number of years, and the launch of the framework document marks an incredible moment for us as a team.”
The Oxford Street District is a major part of the West End and among the world’s most visited destinations. Approximately 200 million people visit the district each year, around 70 per cent of whom arrive by public transport. It is also home to over 38,000 residents and employs over 155,000 people.
In recent years, deterioration of the building stock and public realm, as well as pedestrian congestion and high traffic volumes, have combined to cause significant issues in the area. These have impacted local residents, businesses and visitors alike.
A rapidly changing retail environment, the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, pose new challenges and opportunities. Westminster City Council recognises the need for a coordinated district-wide approach and that the pandemic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink this important piece of London.
The aim is to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference, both in the short-term and into the future. With elements of delivery already underway and through ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and partners, the Oxford Street District delivery programme will unlock the district’s true potential, securing its success and growth for generations to come.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvent the nation’s high street, reinforcing its status as a global exemplar and cultural, leisure and economic powerhouse,” said Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council. “We will work closely with our partners, stakeholders and communities to shape the future of this incredible piece of London.”
Projects ⋅ February 2021
See more