Westminster Council is launching their High Streets Programme on Edgware Road.
In 2022 the Council committed £10m to support the resilience and vibrancy of Westminster’s high streets beyond the West End. The programme is underpinned by three primary themes: connected communities, vibrant and resilient economy, and inclusive, sustainable and safe places, which together form a framework for successful high streets.
The High Streets Programme will initially focus on a cluster of high streets across Paddington and Bayswater (in Hyde Park Ward, Lancaster Gate Ward and Bayswater Wards), including Edgware Road, Praed Street, Queensway, Westbourne Grove and local centres in-between.
The Council will be running a series of public engagement activities including pop-ups, online and in-person surveys and workshops, from 9 June until 18 August 2023 to establish priorities with the local community for improvements to the environment.
The pop-up on Edgware Road will operate from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July, and be based at 108-110 Edgware Road (in the former Costa Coffee at the corner of George Street and Edgware Road). Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the area and uses Edgware Road is invited to attend and share their views on how the high street could be improved. Hours will be:
- Tuesday 27 June 10am to 6pm
- Wednesday 28 June 10am to 6pm
- Thursday 29 June 10am to 8pm
- Friday 30 June 10am to 8pm
- Saturday 1 July 10am to 6pm
The online survey closes on Monday 11 September 2023.
The engagement programme will be followed by a design stage in which the Council will work with communities to draw up a shortlist of projects that could be delivered both now and in the longer term. Projects that help solve problems and improve high streets will be prioritised, and new ideas are especially welcomed.
The results of the surveys and workshops will also be used to draw up future planning policy for Edgware Road through local Neighbourhood Plans for Hyde Park Paddington and Marylebone.
The High Streets programme will create a template for other parts of the borough and aims to build new partnerships between the Council, businesses and communities.
