4 Oxford Street Programme - complementary schemes PDF 1 MB
To approve the activation of the final area of the programme and commencement of design for the three proposed OSP complementary schemes and the funding approach.
Decision:
Cabinet approved the following recommendations:
· Approve the activation of the final area of the programme and commencement of design for the three proposed OSP complementary schemes as set out in the report; and
· Approve the funding approach for the three complementary schemes as set out in the report.
Reasons for decision
The complementary schemes seek to extend the public realm benefits being achieved on Oxford Street into adjacent neighbourhoods through an improvement of pedestrian access and comfort, additional seating and greening, enhanced lighting and better-quality surfacing materials. Furthermore, they will create new or improved amenity areas for potential future activation. The decision was made to retain the three schemes from a larger number of possible schemes contained in the previous OSD programme based on their contribution to achieving the benefits noted above.
The Davies Street scheme provides a vital gateway on Oxford Street to Mayfair and the recently opened Elizabeth Line station. The street is currently open to vehicular traffic and the proposed closure will secure an additional and safer space for pedestrians leading to Oxford Street. This will also create a new public amenity space and provide an opportunity for seating and greening resulting in a more comfortable and attractive experience.
The Grosvenor Square scheme will provide safer pedestrian and cycling facilities, reducing the dominance of the carriageway around the square. This will be achieved through the delivery of wider footways and the improvement of pedestrian crossings.
The James Street scheme is intended to provide a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment in James Street south along with operational changes to Barrett Street, Picton Place, James Street north. An improved public realm space is envisaged to the north of Bird Street and permanent footway build outs are proposed at the junction of Picton Place with James Street to convert a temporary measure introduced during the pandemic.
Minutes:
Cllr Hug invited Cllr Barraclough to introduce the report and noted that the report was before Cabinet as part of a commitment to maximum transparency on decision-making for the Oxford Street Programme.
Cllr Barraclough noted that the progress in 18 months since it was found that the Oxford Street District Programme had cost over £35m and delivered the Marble Arch Mound.
Cllr Barraclough noted the ambition of the previous administration to pedestrianise Oxford Circus without consulting the community or businesses, but that the Council has since refocused the programme to Oxford Street itself, and worked closely with NWEC to produce a scheme that meets the needs of retailers, shoppers and residents through wider pavements, improved lighting, extra trees, upgraded pedestrian crossings.
Cllr Barraclough noted feedback was very supportive through consultation in summer 2023.
Cllr Barraclough highlighted this decision is for three small complementary schemes, which are critical to the delivery of the primary programme and were only to be brought forward if they could be co-funded with the private sector which has been achieved.
Cllr Barraclough invited Bernie Flaherty, Deputy Chief Executive and Bi-Borough Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health, and Manisha Patel, Director of Operations, Governance and Oxford Street, to speak to the report.
Bernie Flaherty noted that the three schemes will bring benefits within their own right for pedestrians, amenities, and the surrounding environment.
Manisha Patel noted that these three schemes were retained from a much larger Oxford Street District Programme and it was agreed that these schemes complemented the primary scheme on Oxford Street best.
Manisha Patel noted that the Council now has further clarity around scope of the schemes and idea of cost, and discussions on funding have progressed.
Cllr Dimoldenberg noted his support for the programme, and expressed confidence that it will be delivered on budget and will significantly improve the Oxford Street environment.
RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the following recommendations:
· Approve the activation of the final area of the programme and commencement of design for the three proposed OSP complementary schemes as set out in the report;
· Approve the funding approach for the three complementary schemes as set out in the report.