In August 2020, Publica was appointed as Design Guardian for the public realm of the Oxford Street District. In this new specialist advisory role, Publica is providing oversight to shape the holistic design and delivery of the Westminster City Council’s long-term plan to strengthen the district’s iconic status as one of the world’s leading places to live, visit, shop and work.

Showcase: Temporary Public Realm Improvement Scheme

The Temporary Public Realm Improvement Scheme was announced as part of a wider framework, and will see the Oxford Street District undergo a total reinvention.

Quick-win interventions were delivered by the end of Spring 2021 and are intended to reinvigorate and reimagine the area for new patterns of use.

The proposals include complementary streetscape changes designed to improve the look and feel and accessibility of the area, and additional greening and seating. A space to play is also planned, as are footway widening.

Collectively, the interventions were designed to also support a safe return to the district is for visitors, and in turn, provide an opportunity to enable Oxford Street’s post-Covid recovery.

Branding, Identity and Communications

As part of our role as Design Guardian, Publica designed a new brand for the Oxford Street District to support the communication of the project and its realisation in the District. A comprehensive set of brand guidelines sets out how to communicate the key values and vision of the project through all materials – from reports and presentations, to website, social media and film, and to elements in the District – such as street dressing, colour palettes and signage.

In August 2020, Publica was appointed as Design Guardian for the public realm of the Oxford Street District. In this new specialist advisory role, Publica is providing oversight to shape the holistic design and delivery of the Westminster City Council’s long-term plan to strengthen the district’s iconic status as one of the world’s leading places to live, visit, shop and work.

Framework

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.

Having recognised the need for a coordinated district-wide approach and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity brought by the pandemic to rethink this important piece of London, Westminster City Council and Publica developed a framework document, which sets out a comprehensive programme of improvements, and the ways in which the Oxford Street District will transform over the coming years.

The vision for the future of the Oxford Street District will enhance the area in its entirety while responding to long-standing opportunities and challenges as well as significant new ones presented by the pandemic. The Framework serves as the blueprint to reinvent the high street for a post-pandemic recovery and, crucially, for the longer term.

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.

Showcase: Temporary Public Realm Improvement Scheme

The Temporary Public Realm Improvement Scheme was announced as part of a wider framework, and will see the Oxford Street District undergo a total reinvention.

Quick-win interventions were delivered by the end of Spring 2021 and are intended to reinvigorate and reimagine the area for new patterns of use.

The proposals include complementary streetscape changes designed to improve the look and feel and accessibility of the area, and additional greening and seating. A space to play is also planned, as are footway widening.

Collectively, the interventions were designed to also support a safe return to the district is for visitors, and in turn, provide an opportunity to enable Oxford Street’s post-Covid recovery.

Branding, Identity and Communications

As part of our role as Design Guardian, Publica designed a new brand for the Oxford Street District to support the communication of the project and its realisation in the District. A comprehensive set of brand guidelines sets out how to communicate the key values and vision of the project through all materials – from reports and presentations, to website, social media and film, and to elements in the District – such as street dressing, colour palettes and signage.

 “This is a landmark project for London, Westminster City Council and Publica alike, 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.”

LUCY MUSGRAVE, PUBLICA’S FOUNDING DIRECTOR