Contents | Executive Summary | Public Realm Strategy

Public Realm Strategy - Executive Summary

Aim

• to redress the balance between pedestrians and drivers in order that Regent Street can better fulfil its purpose as a shopping destination of international recognition in accordance with the Regent Street Vision
• to promote Regent Street as a successful shopping environment with greater freedom to move between shops with a reduction in the noise, smell, danger and disruption caused by traffic

Strategy

• traffic management - work with the New West End Company (NWEC), GLA, TfL, Westminster City Council (WCC) and others in:
• pressing for a review of the local highway network, within the framework of a masterplan to reduce Regent Street traffic flows
• achieving a better balance between, on the one hand, the needs of residents, business and customers and, on the other, those of passing motorists and bus companies
• street furniture: in consultation with WCC, explore options for a range of modern, high quality street furniture to replace the present traditional designs
• signage: in consultation with NWEC, WCC and TfL, develop an integrated signage and information strategy for Regent Street visitors (review to consider, for example) prioritising attractions, plaques on historic buildings and electronic signage)
• lighting: implement a new lighting scheme, introduced incrementally, as individual blocks are refurbished (future floodlighting proposals not conforming to this scheme will be rejected); and present street lamps attached to Regent Street facades would remain until a replacement street lighting scheme had been prepared (in conjunction with future traffic management and street furniture proposals)
• paving: whenever a building is refurbished, the work programme will include replacement of inferior quality / damaged paving materials and the repair of the pavement lights
• public art: encourage the involvement of artists in the design of building facades, signage and street furniture, but discourage the installation of freestanding works of art in the street itself (at least until footways are widened, following traffic reduction)
• landscaping: tree and shrub planting will not be accepted in Regent Street; but backland opportunities for greenery will be sought
• maintenance and management: a proactive approach will be encouraged, with a positive role for tenants in support of WCC; Crown Estate will continue to commit funds to NWEC for cleaning and security