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Westminster City Council’s Cabinet has has approved a new draft Oxford Street District Strategy to be taken forward for public consultation in November.
The Council’s fresh Place Strategy and Delivery Plan has identified 96 projects across 87 streets and spaces in nine zones, including proposals for major improvements at Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Cavendish Square. It has looked in depth at every street in order to understand needs to be done to “enhance the heritage and character that makes the district unique and gives it the edge as a ‘must visit’ destination”.
As a result, the city council is planning on setting aside £50m each year for the next three years to kickstart the strategy and is calling on private and public partners to back the improvements.
A draft of the detailed Place Strategy has been developed over the summer following rounds of discussion with 50 stakeholder groups, including residents, businesses, workers in the district, young people and special interest groups. The consultation will run from 6 November to 16 December 2018 with a series of exhibitions across the district and plenty of opportunities for people to get involved and to have their say.
Cllr Richard Beddoe, cabinet member for place shaping and planning, said: “As proud custodians of the Oxford Street District, Westminster City Council is determined to make sure it retains the crown as the nation’s high street in the face of huge challenges and online competition.
“Everyone recognises that a major overhaul is urgently required. That’s why we have a new district wide plan with over 90 different projects proposed across 85 separate locations. Our new game changing strategy sets out just what needs to be done so that the district keeps its edge as a great place to live, work and remains a ‘must visit’ destination. The area’s ongoing success is key to generating prosperity, employment opportunities and wealth for the capital, as well as the country.”
He added: “Everyone with an interest in securing Oxford Street’s success should share their view when the consultation opens as that way, together, we can secure an amazing future for the nation’s high street.”
