Purpose

To approve activation of the final area of the programme and commencement of design for the three proposed OSP complementary schemes and the funding approach.

Decision

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·       Approve the activation of the final area of the programme and commencement of design for the three proposed OSP complementary schemes as set out in the report; and

·       Approve the funding approach for the three complementary schemes as set out in the report.

Reasons for decision

The complementary schemes seek to extend the public realm benefits being achieved on Oxford Street into adjacent neighbourhoods through an improvement of pedestrian access and comfort, additional seating and greening, enhanced lighting and better-quality surfacing materials. Furthermore, they will create new or improved amenity areas for potential future activation. The decision was made to retain the three schemes from a larger number of possible schemes contained in the previous OSD programme based on their contribution to achieving the benefits noted above.

The Davies Street scheme provides a vital gateway on Oxford Street to Mayfair and the recently opened Elizabeth Line station. The street is currently open to vehicular traffic and the proposed closure will secure an additional and safer space for pedestrians leading to Oxford Street. This will also create a new public amenity space and provide an opportunity for seating and greening resulting in a more comfortable and attractive experience.

The Grosvenor Square scheme will provide safer pedestrian and cycling facilities, reducing the dominance of the carriageway around the square. This will be achieved through the delivery of wider footways and the improvement of pedestrian crossings.

The James Street scheme is intended to provide a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment in James Street south along with operational changes to Barrett Street, Picton Place, James Street north. An improved public realm space is envisaged to the north of Bird Street and permanent footway build outs are proposed at the junction of Picton Place with James Street to convert a temporary measure introduced during the pandemic.