Another plan would further transform London's West End by widening the pedestrian access to certain locations.
Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate will pedestrianise Regent Street St James's, the southbound carriageway from Piccadilly Circus to St James's Park. This also includes expanding the pedestrianised area at Piccadilly Circus, safer cycling on Regent Street, and two-way working on Haymarket.
City Hall has embraced the suggestions, which they say align with the mayor's larger vision to pedestrianise Oxford Street, which has already begun after strong public support.
Westminster Council says the draft masterplan proposed continues John Nash's initial 19th-century intention to link St James's Park with Regent's Park. The plan's most important features are:
- "Greening" Regent Street with more trees and plantings
- Improved pedestrian crossings
- Removal of the central traffic island on the road
- Creation of new public spaces
The cabinet member for economic development and planning, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, described it as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the very heart of the West End" as a greener, more inclusive place for businesses, residents, and visitors. He encouraged people to participate in the engagement process.
Kristy Lansdown of The Crown Estate said the changes are intended to make the area "fit for the future."
The plans come after the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is pushing ahead with the Oxford Street pedestrianisation, as he refers to "overwhelmingly positive" public reaction and the urgent need to act.
Plans for carrying out and funding the Regent Street St James's redevelopment will be finalized by Westminster Council and The Crown Estate in 2026.
Public consultation on the plans continues until 10 August. Photo by Jimmy Baikovicius, Wikimedia commons.