Al fresco in the West End

• IMPROVING our high streets is an important way of increasing the quality of life for residents and helping local businesses.

A number of projects are moving forward, including at St John’s Wood High Street and Warwick Way, Pimlico.

The St John’s Wood High Street public realm project proposes to improve pedestrian space and accessibility, traffic management and greening, while providing space for continued al fresco dining.

The design includes one-way traffic from north to south, footway widening along the whole length of the high street, with larger build-outs and raised tables at junctions to provide crossing opportunities, 14 new trees, benches, and new street lighting columns.

The second formal consultation on the designs was held in September and October. There were 1,756 responses to the online questionnaire, the majority in support, especially from residents.

During Covid-19 a temporary al fresco scheme was implemented on Warwick Way and Churton Street in Pimlico to help the hospitality businesses.

The scheme was strongly supported locally, and a permanent scheme has been developed to build upon this success, providing an improved space for pedestrians, better accessibility and more greening, and improved lighting and drainage to the area to create a better place for residents and visitors.

A public consultation on the scheme is planned for this month and into January 2023 to seek feedback on our proposals ahead of further design development. The consultation will include a website and online survey, letter drop, engagement sessions with councillors and residents’ associations.

Over the next few months we will be consulting residents and businesses on high street improvements in other parts of Westminster as we continue with plans to give our high streets a new life and a prosperous future.

CLLR PAUL DIMOLDENBERG
Cabinet Member for City Management & Air Quality
City Hall, Victoria Street, SW1