Plans to overhaul Oxford Street with pocket parks, wider pavements and better crossings have been supported by residents and businesses and are on track to begin later this year.
Two-thirds of respondents to Westminster City Council’s consultation approved of the plans with construction work for the “major revamp” confirmed to start in the autumn, as reported by the Evening Standard.
This comes after it was announced in September that Westminster City Council had signed a deal with the New West End Company for the first stage of funding to enact the plans, which are reported to cost £90m.
Upon completion, visitors to the newly revamped area are also expected to be encouraged to cycle as there are plans for more bike and e-scooter parking spaces on side streets.
Westminster Council cabinet member for planning and economic development Geoff Barraclough said: “It’s heartening to see local people and businesses have given their support for our plans to improve Oxford Street and its surrounding areas. After several schemes have been proposed to develop the district in the past, I am confident that we have an ambitious and deliverable plan in place.
“These encouraging results come off the back of a stellar year on Oxford Street; a year in which we’ve seen big names like HMV returning, newcomers like Ikea offering something different and exciting for shoppers, and a fall in the number of candy stores along the street.
“With these positive results, we look forward to an exciting year ahead and progressing this work in partnership between the council and New West End Company, the voice of the district’s owners and occupiers. We are well on the way to giving the nation’s high street the upgrade it deserves.”
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