Marylebone's three local Councillors, Barbara Arzymanow, Ian Rowley and Karen Scarborough have today spoken out on the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's controversial plans to designate a Mayoral Development Area (MDA) and to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) will have a detrimnental effect on people living and working in Marylebone.
Any changes on Oxford Street will have a knock-on effect on local people in Marylebone which include both residents and businesses. We consider a Development Corporation (MDC) to help regenerate Oxford Street unnecessary. It will only add a costly layer bureaucracy. Development Corporations are generally formed when new, larger projects are formed from conception.
The designation of an MDA and the establishment of an MDC for Oxford Street:
The main need on Oxford Street is controlling crime, both with more bobbies on the beat and better control over the increasingly established candy stores, which sell illegal merchandise often thought to be laundered money.
The boundary of the MDA:
The new boundary area earmarked for pedestrianisation, between Selfridges and Oxford Circus, will profoundly affect the flow of traffic from displaced traffic, such as delivery vans and lorries, taxis, and buses in Marylebone.
The purpose and objectives of the MDC:
In view of the online sales revolution, Oxford Street is going through a natural transformation. Major department stores are being replaced by well-known companies aiming to showcase their merchandise. However, new buildings accommodate a combination of retail, office space, and residential accommodation. The needs will, therefore, result in a different demographic, thereby expanding new needs along with visitors to Oxford Street.
The approach to the MDC’s functions in relation to planning, other functions and granting discretionary relief from non-domestic rates:
Currently, Westminster City Council is in overall charge of planning through a democratic process with elected members meeting the needs of all stakeholders. If the MDC takes control, who holds the account? The Council must continue to take charge so that all aspects of planning continue to operate within a system with a proven track record.
The composition of the MDC’s Board and Planning Committee
The MDC Board must give a voice to Councillors, residents and Business Improvement Districts. Councillors often give residents a voice especially as we are involved with everyday issues such as parking, planning and licensing enforcement. We are in constant touch with the Police over crime, antisocial behaviour. Rough sleeping is also a significant issue.
The Mayor considers that the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street would help to deliver his vision for the area and support its regeneration. What are your views on the principle of pedestrianising Oxford Street?
Westminster City Council has explored the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street over the past 10 years. The plans evolved to match the needs of all stakeholders.
The most recent plans were acceptable to users, residents and businesses.
Residents who have used Oxford Street over several decades find the thought of not being able to use a bus to get to their destination very daunting. Unfortunately, pedestrianisation makes achieving a balance between transport and displacement of traffic along Marylebone side roads is an impossible goal.
Measures such a CCTV to monitor where traffic congestion builds up is essential.
Any other ideas you have to support the regeneration of Oxford Street
Regeneration should be innovative and aim to attract new sectors. Trying to bring back companies that no longer generate income or footfall is like flogging a dead horse. Quality companies would prefer to occupy retail units on Oxford Street without the candy stores. Furthermore, new industries are continually developing, and Oxford Street is the perfect location to showcase theme shops such as HMV, Disney, and Game Shops, such as Warhammer, which have only scratched the surface. Steam and Battle are massive, and the new retail units at former Debenham and House of Fraser sites should be seriously considered. We congratulate Portman Estate on Frameless and the art gallery Momo. More please. On the upper floors, space can be created for the ever-expanding healthcare and cosmetic sectors.
