ADD2281 West End Good Growth Study – Receipt of funding

ADD2256 (dated 7 August 2018) approved to commission the West End Good Growth Study with a value of up to £50,000, to be funded from the Mayor’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF). The study will review risks and opportunities to the achievement of the West End’s growth potential within the context of the new London Plan policy for good growth in the Central Activities Zone.

Consultants have been procured from the Architecture Design and Urbanism Panel (ADUP) to deliver the study by October 2018.

Officers from Westminster City Council (WCC) have been invited attend the project steering group to provide the council’s perspective in the development of the study. WCC have offered a contribution of £25,000 to the delivery of the study.

The objectives and expected outcomes of the West End Good Growth Study as set out in ADD2256 remain unchanged.

The study will develop a holistic understanding of this economy, and an assessment of its potential to adapt and grow, given sectoral restructures and increasing West End accessibility. It will inform public policy decisions and enable public and private sector partners to develop coordinated
investment strategies that maximise potential good growth in line with new London Plan policies.

WCC’s support of the study will ensure the outcomes take into account the views of the local resident and business community.

The West End is a key destination in the CAZ. The West End Good Growth study is intended to inform a future strategy for the area which secures a viable, accessible and sustainable mix of uses for all residents, workers and visitors to the area.

a) key risks and issues

Failure to address the changes and challenges set out above could jeopardise the Mayor’s plans to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth in the area. To mitigate this, this study would help inform future approaches and engagement with a range of stakeholders.

b) links to Mayoral strategies and priorities

In his manifesto the Mayor committed to prioritise the improvements of high streets, squares and public spaces across the city, and to work with Westminster Council, local businesses, Transport for London (TfL) and taxis, to pedestrianise Oxford Street.

In the draft new London Plan the Mayor committed to:

 Promote and enhance the unique international, national and London-wide roles of the CAZ, based on an agglomeration and rich mix of strategic functions as well as local uses;
 Support the vitality and viability of the West End as an international shopping and leisure destinations.

c) impact assessments and consultations

Successful delivery of a future strategy for Oxford Street district will be dependent on engagement with a range of stakeholders in the public and private sector, including local authorities, landowners, businesses, residents and other users.

The estimated cost of the West End Good Growth Study is £50,000, of which Westminster City Council will contribute £25,000. The remaining balance of £25,000 will be funded from the Mayor’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) as previously approved via ADD2256.