Chinatown
London's Chinatown is one of the most bustling districts of its kind in Europe. It combines specialist businesses with a vibrant street life and residential community.
The challenge:
The council is determined to make sure Chinatown remains an integral part of the world-class West End.
Where are we now?
- In September 2003, the council adopted the Chinatown Action Plan. This is the blueprint for making Chinatown cleaner, safer, more attractive, culturally vibrant and better managed.
The local community, the police and the major landlord, Shaftesbury PLC, all helped shape the contents of the plan.
- It was also informed by the recommendations of the Chinatown Economic Development Study. The council commissioned this to assess the economic, social and cultural standing of the area.
We’re making good progress in delivering on the action plan’s priorities, including:
- Introducing city guardians to Chinatown to help make public areas safer and cleaner
- Establishing a better cleansing regime
We’re also working with Chinese and East Asian artists and local people on a project called Chinatown Arts Space. We’re seeking support from the Arts Council to find a base for Chinese and East Asian arts in Chinatown.
- The project has already staged a series of events, workshops and installations, including Lighting Up Chinatown.
Looking ahead:
Streetscape improvements to Gerrard Street and Macclesfield Street have now been completed. Improvement works on Lisle Street are currently underway and are due to be completed in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations in 2008. Improvement works to Little Newport Street will commence after the celebrations. We are currently working on the initial design for Wardour Street and Rupert Court.
