June 15th 2023, London: Westminster City Council and the New West End Company – which represents 600 retail, restaurant, hotel and property owners across the West End – today announce a partnership in principle which will drive forward the regeneration of Oxford Street, delivering against a long-term vision for the area’s future growth.
The agreement comes ahead of the unveiling of the design proposals to reinvigorate the nation’s favourite high street, through targeted investment into its public realm infrastructure. The programme will enhance the experience for those who live, work and visit the area with improved footways, greening and seating, all of which will complement the ongoing investment into evolving the existing retail and office space over the next five years.
The plans will address improvements along the entire length of Oxford Street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, as well as a number of adjoining public spaces. Once plans are unveiled to the public, a meaningful consultation process with local residents, businesses and visitors will begin.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s (WCC) Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:
That the Oxford Street Programme that is being developed will make it vastly more appealing to shoppers and visitors.
“The West End constantly needs to adapt if it is to continue to be a draw to shoppers. We have some world-beating brands such as Selfridges, John Lewis, and now IKEA to name just a few but we need to innovate and ensure we can offer a fantastic experience too.
“This needs to be a place local communities, residents and visitors can feel pride in. New West End Company and Westminster City Council have a long track record in successful collaboration and together with local communities we will work to ensure Oxford Street is thriving.”
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive Officer, New West End Company (NWEC) added:
The proposed enhancement of Oxford Street’s public realm infrastructure is part of a bigger, once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity to regenerate one of the world’s most iconic retail and leisure destinations.
“The partnership between NWEC and WCC is happening against a backdrop of wider, positive shifts in the market; from the progress of ambitious, multi-use redevelopment projects to the signing of new global flagships, and the return of iconic brands such as HMV. We are already seeing increased footfall and dwell time as a result of the Elizabeth Line, which underscores the need for an enhanced visitor experience.
“We look forward to working with WCC to ensure that we are capitalising on this momentum and delivering on a vision for Oxford Street in which enhanced public realm provision is a key component of its long-term, sustainable growth.”
Published: 27 June 2023