The council is asking local residents, businesses, workers and visitors for feedback on new proposals which wouldmassively increase walking space throughout the district whilst retaining two-way vehicle movement along the length of Oxford Street.
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. The plan also includes the creation of beautiful and inspiring spaces across the district.
The strategy has looked in depth at every street in order to understand what makes the place so special and what 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 over domestic and international rivals.
As a result, the city council is planning on setting aside £50 million each year for the next three years in order to provide a massive kick start to turn the strategy into reality 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.
In a separate City Plan consultation, the council is changing planning policies to give greater flexibility in Oxford Street in order to encourage different and diverse uses such as leisure, offices, hotels and restaurants, bringing new life and vibrancy to the district – but with an incredible retail experience remaining the core of the street’s offer.
The consultation will run from 6th November to 16th 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: “We want everyone with an interest in Oxford Street’s future to share their views through our consultation. We recognise 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. This is an exciting challenge and our new game changing strategy sets out how we can re-invent the nation’s high street.
“The area’s ongoing success is key to generating prosperity, employment opportunities and wealth for the capital, as well as the country.”
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