A new destination for London has been created. The Strand Aldwych transformation has converted busy roadways into a major new public space at the Strand and an enhanced pedestrian experience across the Aldwych, including new crossings, wider footways and a new green space. The vision is for the area to become a global creative and cultural quarter and an international beacon for creativity, enterprise and learning.
Strand Aldwych aims to bring the inside out – celebrating the wealth of cultural and educational offer in the area, whilst providing a new green oasis in central London to relax, play and come together. The initial meanwhile intervention at the Strand will is testing how Londoners would like to use the space before the permeant scheme is brought forward.
Image: © Mickey L.F. Lee, courtesy of the Northbank BID
A vibrant, busy area, home to one of London’s oldest street markets. Over £1bn of investment over the next 15-20 years will deliver over 1,750 new homes across tenures; better routes around the area; green and open spaces; and business and enterprise premises.
Projects that improve health, wellbeing, and employment prospects for local people are already underway, and the programme has a key role to play in the council’s commitment to achieving net zero. There are a huge range of opportunities for genuinely inclusive and diverse organisations to work on this ambitious programme. The council is currently in the process of procuring a development partner to deliver Site A.
Adjacent to the Grand Union Canal, Westminster City Council are creating 112 new truly affordable homes are being created at 300 Harrow Road. Alongside the homes, the scheme will deliver a new nursery, community hall, café, public realm improvements and a new affordable workspace for the creative industries.
The development also benefits from one of the council’s key public realm improvement scheme projects for the area: The Harrow Road Place Plan. As part of the Harrow Road Place Plan, a new canal-side landscaped area will enhance the space making it a more inviting place for people to come and relax. The improvements will include: a new pathway through to the canal, central play space open to all residents, new green space with trees and planting.
Located in the heart of London’s West End, the Arts Quarter will be a new hub for world-class arts & culture, a centre of cultural innovation, co-creation & creative-tech. The new Quarter aims to connect the surrounding destinations of Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly and Haymarket, weaving a cultural and arts cluster into the fabric of central London. Bringing together a network of small and characterful streets to create an exciting, new and accessible destination for all. Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) are building a public and private partnership to deliver the quarter that will generate cultural, social and economic benefits for contributors and partners.
Home to one-eighth of London’s jobs and over 53,000 businesses, Westminster’s economy is critical to the nation. Our heritage and culture, unmatched connectivity, and highly-skilled workforce provide a place of opportunity. With a unique position at the centre of the UK’s political, academic, and diplomatic life, Westminster’s influence is resoundingly international and multicultural. Yet its character is distinctly local. From the West End to Whitehall, Mayfair to Maida Vale, Paddington to Pimlico and Harrow Road to Harley Street, our neighbourhoods create a city like no other.
We are committed to creating a fairer Westminster where benefits from growth reach all our communities, publishing our framework for success in 2023: Our Plan for a Fairer Economy. We’re also accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions and new technology across council services to improve people’s lives, support businesses and address the climate emergency head on.
Population projections 2021 266,033
Population projections 2050 278,091
London plan new homes (ten-year target) 9,850
Building council homes for Londoners (four-year programme) Over 2000 homes by 2035
We are committed to creating a Fairer Westminster. One in which our residents are at the heart of our decision-making and help to determine the city’s future. By working with you, we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates our diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome, safe and share in the city’s economic success. In 2023 we published Our Plan for a Fairer Economy, with 3 key objectives to promote:
Read more at: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/fairer-economy
"We are committed to ensuring that Westminster remains economically successful, with sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits residents and future generations. Our local neighbourhoods and high streets are at the heart of our plans to create a Fairer Economy - one with decent jobs for residents, encourages innovative high street uses, delivers greater social impact, and celebrates Westminster's culture and heritage."
Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council