Central set for a revolution

The West End Partnership was formed in 2013 and brings together leaders from the public and private sectors alongside academic experts and resident representatives to deliver growth and improvements to the West End. Partners include the Mayor of London, Transport for London, the City of Westminster, the London Borough of Camden and organisations such as the Northbank BID and the New West End Company. There are six transformational projects outlined as essential for enabling London’s continued growth and success, they include strategies for Oxford Street, Baker Street, Bond Street, Hanover Square, Tottenham Court Road, and Aldwych.
All of these projects are encompassed in the Mayor’s transport strategy, the vision of Sadiq Khan that promises to “create a city for all Londoners”; the widespread scheme covers many areas including creating new jobs and homes, reducing traffic, and creating reliable, accessible, safe, affordable public transport. The big catch line is for “80% of all trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport by 2041” — a forward thinking and progressive idea indeed, but a tall order none the less. Streets make up 80% of public space in London, so making them the as efficient and enjoyable as possible is a good place to be starting. Oxford Street is one of the world’s most famous shopping locations, so it’s no surprise that plans for it to be pedestrianised by 2020 have subsequently become one of the main talking points when discussing the progression of London. Regarded by most as the epicentre of the capital it attracts 4 million visitors each week and plays host to 168 buses every hour, a redevelopment would therefore be an enormous undertaking but if executed correctly could revolutionise central retail and hopefully lead the way for future schemes of a similar nature.
Another of the projects picking up media attention is the development of Aldwych, the proposed removal of the traffic gyratory presents an opportunity to make major improvements to the pedestrian crossings at the three main junctions and would enable safe and convenient walking routes north-south from the River Thames embankment. These opportunities are considered part of the Vision for Aldwych launched by the Northbank BID in 2016, the proposals seek to improve safety and ease of movement through the district and will, similarly to Oxford street, consider materials, planting and greenery, and lighting to help create a more enjoyable place for all.
These six projects are by no means standalone ideas and will only reach their full potential when other plans are running simultaneously. CrossRail is of course a huge factor, helping to ease congestions on multiple routes leading to these locations, the introduction and expansion of an ultra-low emission zone will help to clean up the air, and a wider network of cycle routes will no doubt be welcomed by many. All of the ideas mentioned above stem from a long term perspective and are essential in keeping London current, green, and efficient. We must be prepared for new technology and to work with people and partners to realise these initiatives.
The West End Partnership was formed in 2013 and brings together leaders from the public and private sectors alongside academic experts and resident representatives to deliver growth and improvements to the West End. Partners include the Mayor of London, Transport for London, the City of Westminster, the London Borough of Camden and organisations such as the Northbank BID and the New West End Company. There are six transformational projects outlined as essential for enabling London’s continued growth and success, they include strategies for Oxford Street, Baker Street, Bond Street, Hanover Square, Tottenham Court Road, and Aldwych.
All of these projects are encompassed in the Mayor’s transport strategy, the vision of Sadiq Khan that promises to “create a city for all Londoners”; the widespread scheme covers many areas including creating new jobs and homes, reducing traffic, and creating reliable, accessible, safe, affordable public transport. The big catch line is for “80% of all trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport by 2041” — a forward thinking and progressive idea indeed, but a tall order none the less. Streets make up 80% of public space in London, so making them the as efficient and enjoyable as possible is a definitely a good place to be starting. Oxford Street is one of the world’s most famous shopping locations, so it’s no surprise that plans for it to be pedestrianised by 2020 have subsequently become one of the main talking points when discussing the progression of London. Regarded by some as the epicentre of the capital it attracts 4 million visitors each week and plays host to 168 buses every hour, a redevelopment would therefore be an enormous undertaking but if executed correctly could revolutionise central retail and hopefully lead the way for future schemes of a similar nature.
Another of the projects picking up media attention is the development of Aldwych, the proposed removal of the traffic gyratory presents an opportunity to make major improvements to the pedestrian crossings at the three main junctions and would enable safe and convenient walking routes north-south from the River Thames embankment. These opportunities are considered part of the Vision for Aldwych launched by the Northbank BID in 2016, the proposals seek to improve safety and ease of movement through the district and will, similarly to Oxford street, consider materials, planting and greenery, and lighting to help create a more enjoyable place for all.
These six projects are by no means standalone ideas and will only reach their full potential when other plans are running simultaneously. CrossRail is of course a huge factor, helping to ease congestion on multiple routes leading to these locations, the introduction and expansion of an ultra-low emission zone will help to clean up the air, and a wider network of cycle routes will no doubt be welcomed by many. All of the ideas mentioned above stem from a long term perspective and are essential in keeping London current, green, and efficient. We must be prepared for new technology and to work with people and partners to realise these initiatives.
