Westminster City Council’s plans to build Marble Arch Mound, a 24m landscaped hill adjacent to the Grade I listed monument, were approved at a council planning committee on 30 March 2021.
Voting in favour of the proposals, the planning subcommittee agreed that the grass-covered pop-up viewing platform will encourage visitors to return to the West End and help to revive the local economy as lockdown measures are eased throughout summer.
Once constructed, the climbable hill is expected to stand for six months offering visitors unique views of Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Mayfair, Marylebone and Park Lane, as well as the bustling Edgware Road and Connaught Village with its mix of restaurants and boutique shops.
The approved development will see plants from the temporary attraction donated to the local community at the end of the installation.
The Marble Arch Mound is central to the council’s plans to revitalise Oxford Street and the surrounding area. This scheme will bring visitors back onto the nation’s favourite high street this summer, providing a boost for West End businesses and creating a unique attraction for residents and visitors
Westminster City Council spokesperson
Marble Arch Mound was launched by Westminster City Council, in conjunction with Marble Arch London BID, and is part of the council’s new Oxford Street District (OSD) framework, developed with key strategic partners. It is expected to provide a shot in the arm for central London as it recovers from the latest Covid-19 lockdown.
Marble Arch London BID is supporting this unique and creative initiative, as part of its continued efforts as a champion for business in this vibrant, diverse district in the heart of London. Marble Arch Mound hopes to attract up to 200,000 people, many of which will be considering overnight stays in London, once lockdown restrictions are eased, as they look to take in all the sights and sounds the capital has to offer.
Westminster City Council’s planning committee decision to approve the construction of Marble Arch Mound is just what the doctor ordered as London’s retail, hotel and hospitality businesses start their recovery from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to welcoming the many visitors to Marble Arch Mound over the summer months and we hope that they will take advantage of the fantastic hotels located in the area and enjoy the excellent mix of restaurants, retailers, cafes and bars that Marble Arch has to offer.
We will now be working closely with our member businesses and the organisers of Marble Arch Mound to ensure the attraction provides the best economic support for the district, as we continue to look at new ways of connecting businesses and increasing footfall and dwell time to ensure we remain one of London’s prime commercial locations.Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID
