ACTION PLAN EDGWARE ROAD working for the future of Edgware Road contents context 1 cultural and visitor offer 22 introduction 2 actions and timetables 25 vision 4 project management 31 identity 6 consultation results 32 movement 10 amenity 14 safety and security 18 AD E RO BON YLE MAR SE Y M OU R P LA VER C YO E MARYLEBONE FL T STREE APEL CH . D STREET RD WFOR E A N CR BO E SH L O RY UL E A AC DHA PL ET M TON ANS LD M ST BRY STRE O RD PLACE REET ’S STREET WFO PRAED EET CRA . MICHAEL ST AR STR T ST EE B R RO ARDENS BY ST WN STREET G W S EDGW O X AL R AR E PLACE H SUSSE S . E L ARE ROAD C OUTHW P LA D P STREET O D O FOR W GEORGE PA NUT IC UR B GREA K R K WEST PL STREET GE SEY . T CU M E T S O CAMBRID AR UR A E MBERLA QU CE S FF PLAC I CL D PO E BERKELEY STREET R UR ND PLAC O R O F CHES T UPPER X E T S O EE AR T R U E Q R ST S E PLAC KENDAL E CONN T OLD STREE GHT R STREET AU OU Q NN SQU CO A SEYM UE UGHT BE AR C ST E REET . SEYMOURS ST TA NHO HT PL. CONNAUG P E ARCH E MARBL P TY L BURN WA AD Y ATER RO GATE BAYSW D CUMBERLAN P A R K LANE HYDE PARK foreword I am delighted to present the Edgware Road Action Plan to you. The Action Plan was the subject of extensive consultation before its final adoption by the City Council’s Cabinet in February 2006. A snapshot of the results from that consultation can be found on page 32. The publication of this Action Plan is an important contribution to the City Council’s One City programme. As well as bringing about much important physical change with the support of Transport for London, it will contribute to the area’s economic well being, and in particular improve the situation for small businesses. In the future, we hope that the Action Plan will also support Westminster’s aspiration for the establishment of a Business Improvement District for the area. The Action Plan is also about working with residents and businesses in bringing about ever-greater community cohesion. The process of developing the Action Plan has already brought people closer together, and I look forward to that continuing as we deliver the many improvements to the area envisaged here. I look forward to working with you to make our collective vision a reality. Councillor Danny Chalkley Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transport The preparation of the Edgware Road Action Plan has been a very constructive process, involving many groups wanting to make the Road an attractive place offering a variety of high quality goods and services to residents and visitors. It has been a privilege for the Marylebone Association to have worked as a partner in the Edgware Road Dialogue Group, developing the Action Plan for the Road and its surrounding areas. Edgware Road is home to many people – it is lined with flats and some Association members live here or in the near vicinity. Our members say that they want a pleasant, practical high street, in which they can walk, shop, bank, eat and drink with enjoyment and in safety. Some of the required elements are already in place, a few as a result of the discussions over the last year. Some improvements will be implemented over the next year, with essential funding secured already. However, further efforts will be needed, as the Action Plan envisages a grand, cosmopolitan Edgware Road, attracting residents and visitors to its environs. The community will have to continue to work together in order to steer the right course and we have a fantastic blueprint on which to base efforts in the form of this Action Plan. Heather Acton Chair, The Marylebone Association It has been an honour for me to be involved, on behalf of the Association, in the continued discussions about the redevelopment of the Edgware Road. It pleases me that a consensus has been reached about its future. The Edgware Road is more than just a thoroughfare; it is an experience, a community in itself, it is the nucleus of a way of life for many. We have all been gunning for the same outcome – an Edgware Road which retains its traditional roots but which is modernised so as to provide comfort and enhanced safety for pedestrians and quality services for its users, whilst preserving a community spirit. Residents, businesses, shoppers, service users and tourists are all brought together by the magic of the Edgware Road and this is why it has been, and will always remain, so important for us to look after it. I am convinced that the Action Plan for the Edgware Road fulfils this aim. Daniel Geller Chair, Hyde Park Estate Association The emergence of a formal Action Plan for the improvement of the Edgware Road is marvellous news for all those of us with an interest in the success of this important London street. It is easy to forget that Edgware Road is a busy shopping street at the very heart of the West End of London within walking distance of Oxford Street and Paddington Station, and with underground stations at either end. Given these features how could Edgware Road not be a success? Well the answer is that despite all this there is much to be done. The street needs to offer a shopping experience which attracts more people to visit more frequently whilst maintaining the cultural diversity which contributes to its appeal for so many. What is more it must do this whilst preserving and protecting the environment and character of the neighbouring residential areas. The Edgware Road Action Plan provides a welcome opportunity for true partnership amongst a broad range of interests and it provides an exciting platform which if widely promoted and supported, could see the start of changes to Edgware Road which will be a benefit to everyone involved. Hugh Seaborn Chief Executive, The Portman Estate This Action Plan represents an important step forward in the continued development of the Edgware Road economic and social environment, which will in time crucially benefit both local businesses and residents. The Church Commissioners, landlords of the adjoining Connaught Village, with its mix of boutiques, small local businesses and specialist restaurants, support this strategy for the future. In accordance with this vision we will endeavour to support the programme efficiently and effectively. Joseph Cannon Head of Projects and Strategy, The Church Commissioners for England It is important that the development and management of London’s streets takes into account the needs of all road users. In doing so, there is a need to find a balance between the movement of people, vehicles and goods, whilst ensuring that our streets are safe and a place that people want to be. Edgware Road plays an important role in the street scene of Central London and performs both a local and strategic function for the Capital. Transport for London is committed to working with Westminster City Council together with the communities of Edgware Road and its immediate surroundings in promoting and delivering an exemplar streetscape project which will build on the area’s vibrant qualities. The Edgware Road Action Plan is a very successful example of partnership working. Mike McCrory Director of Road Network Development, Transport for London ACTION PLAN EDGWARE ROAD 1 context An Action Plan is about partnership working to identify, promote and fund important improvements that will help revitalise an area. As part of our commitment to secure a positive This document is the final Edgware Road Action change in the Edgware Road, the City Council Plan as adopted by the City of Westminster has produced an Action Plan for the busy Council’s Cabinet in February 2006. A draft commercial and residential area between version was subject to wide consultation that Marble Arch and the Marylebone Flyover. included community workshops, roadside exhibitions, press coverage and the distribution Action Plans are an effective means of of over 4,500 copies of the Edgware Road channelling local concerns, support and funding Action Plan. In addition, full text versions of into a selected area to generate improvements. the Action Plan were made available in Arabic. We are already using them to great effect in our work to revitalise Leicester Square, This document reflects the views and concerns Chinatown, Covent Garden and other areas that have been received through the process of the West End as part of our Civic Renewal of consultation, for example from the Marylebone Programme. The forthcoming One City Vision and the Hyde Park Estate Associations. will provide continuity in the Council’s support The associations have been very supportive for the Edgware Road. throughout the consultation period and have expressed continued support for the City This Action Plan sets out the background and Council’s aspirations for the Edgware Road. principles for achieving change. At the heart Another example of partnership working is the of the document is a schedule of actions and further commitment of several million pounds a likely timetable for delivery, if funding can that has been received from Transport be found. for London. This together with the on-going Our approach is an inclusive process, drawing support from The Portman Estate and Church together ideas from a wide range of interest Commissioners is an example of how the City groups, including the Edgware Road Dialogue Council continues to work in partnership with Group1, local residents and traders, amenity key stakeholders in the Edgware Road and societies, business associations, the police its surrounding area.