HEART OF LONDON PLACESHAPING STRATEGY
Preparing a historic urban centre for the future
Year
2018 – 2019
Service
Visions, Strategies & Masterplans
Reports
Heart of London Placeshaping Strategy
Client
Heart of London Business Alliance
Location
City of Westminster, London
Publica has developed a placeshaping strategy for Heart of London Business Alliance.
The strategy suggests how the Heart of London area – a major part of London’s West End running from Green Park to the borders of Covent Garden – can accommodate change while maintaining and enhancing its special character and heritage. It also demonstrates the critical role of public realm during significant transformation.
Many projects with potential to affect the Heart of London area in the near future are already underway. The imminent arrival of the Elizabeth line will greatly increase footfall across the West End. Other large-scale transformations of key areas are also underway such as Westminster City Council’s proposals for the Oxford Street District. The construction of several large hotels at the centre of the Heart of London area will bring many more visitors.
The Heart of London area is notable for its contrasting characters. This mix of architectural styles and scales adds drama to the experience of the area
A large number of public art galleries, cinemas and theatres characterise the eastern side of the area
Both visitors and locals use existing street furniture informally where there is a shortage of public seating
The vibrant cluster of evening and night time activity between the Leicester Square area and Soho animates the streets and spaces
Many of the iconic streets and spaces popular with visitors are also important vehicular and public transport routes through Central London
The arcades leading from Piccadilly are part of the intricate network of side streets that play a vital role in local patterns of movement
Vistas and landmarks are key to navigation, particularly after dark
Publica carried out a detailed survey of the current use and design of public realm, relating these conditions to broader strategic issues. This underpins an integrated, ambitious strategy that balances functional and amenity requirements and the well-being of residents and other user groups with a celebration of what makes the area unique – the lights, flags, shopfront displays, the famous historic townscape views and the rich array of architectural styles which combine to create the excitement and drama of a global city centre.
The principles and projects for streets and spaces contained in the Placeshaping Strategy are supported by ‘The Economic Case for Investment in the West End’ (2019) by Arup. Through both documents Heart of London has stepped forward as a lead collaborator, bringing together stakeholders in the area through a unified approach to development and growth.
Illustrated proposal for Panton Street – A high quality and varied public realm to serve the diverse demographic
Illustrated proposal for Coventry Street – Strengthened distinctiveness between character areas
Illustrated proposal for Piccadilly – Framed views and enhanced gateways into the area
Illustrated proposal for St Martin’s Lane – Reduced vehicular traffic with promotion of active travel
Illustrated proposal for Charles II Street – A celebration of the spectacle of the townscape
Illustrated proposal for Leicester Square – Animated upper level uses in major public spaces
Illustrated proposal for Piccadilly Circus – A strengthened night time experience through varied and complementary uses
The Heart of London Placeshaping Strategy was launched on 12th November 2019. The full report is available here.
HEART OF LONDON PLACESHAPING STRATEGY
Preparing a historic urban centre for the future
Year
2018 – 2019
Service
Visions, Strategies & Masterplans
Reports
Heart of London Placeshaping Strategy
Client
Heart of London Business Alliance
Location
City of Westminster, London
Publica has developed a placeshaping strategy for Heart of London Business Alliance.
The strategy suggests how the Heart of London area – a major part of London’s West End running from Green Park to the borders of Covent Garden – can accommodate change while maintaining and enhancing its special character and heritage. It also demonstrates the critical role of public realm during significant transformation.
Many projects with potential to affect the Heart of London area in the near future are already underway. The imminent arrival of the Elizabeth line will greatly increase footfall across the West End. Other large-scale transformations of key areas are also underway such as Westminster City Council’s proposals for the Oxford Street District. The construction of several large hotels at the centre of the Heart of London area will bring many more visitors.
The Heart of London area is notable for its contrasting characters. This mix of architectural styles and scales adds drama to the experience of the area
A large number of public art galleries, cinemas and theatres characterise the eastern side of the area
Both visitors and locals use existing street furniture informally where there is a shortage of public seating
The vibrant cluster of evening and night time activity between the Leicester Square area and Soho animates the streets and spaces
Many of the iconic streets and spaces popular with visitors are also important vehicular and public transport routes through Central London
The arcades leading from Piccadilly are part of the intricate network of side streets that play a vital role in local patterns of movement
Vistas and landmarks are key to navigation, particularly after dark
Publica carried out a detailed survey of the current use and design of public realm, relating these conditions to broader strategic issues. This underpins an integrated, ambitious strategy that balances functional and amenity requirements and the well-being of residents and other user groups with a celebration of what makes the area unique – the lights, flags, shopfront displays, the famous historic townscape views and the rich array of architectural styles which combine to create the excitement and drama of a global city centre.
The principles and projects for streets and spaces contained in the Placeshaping Strategy are supported by ‘The Economic Case for Investment in the West End’ (2019) by Arup. Through both documents Heart of London has stepped forward as a lead collaborator, bringing together stakeholders in the area through a unified approach to development and growth.
Illustrated proposal for Panton Street – A high quality and varied public realm to serve the diverse demographic
Illustrated proposal for Coventry Street – Strengthened distinctiveness between character areas
Illustrated proposal for Piccadilly – Framed views and enhanced gateways into the area
Illustrated proposal for St Martin’s Lane – Reduced vehicular traffic with promotion of active travel
Illustrated proposal for Charles II Street – A celebration of the spectacle of the townscape
Illustrated proposal for Leicester Square – Animated upper level uses in major public spaces
Illustrated proposal for Piccadilly Circus – A strengthened night time experience through varied and complementary uses
The Heart of London Placeshaping Strategy was launched on 12th November 2019. The full report is available here.