Labour’s Hyde Park Ward candidates have counted at least 14 closed or empty shops and restaurants along Edgware Road. In addition, there are also empty retail and restaurant units in the new developments at Marble Arch Place and Regent House.

This number of empty retail and restaurant units is undermining the economic success and future of Edgware Road as a destination for visitors, as well as for long-term residents who value the mix and diversity of the local shops and restaurants.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Labour Candidate for Hyde Park Ward in May’s elections, said:

“Edgware Road is an important retail and restaurant destination for residents and visitors. We are calling on the Council, local retailers and restaurants, landowners, including the Church Commissioners, Portman Estate, Almacantar (Marble Arch Place) and Native Land (Regent House), Marble Arch BID, residents’ groups and local stakeholders to come together to discuss how Edgware Road’s fortunes can be revived. We need a ‘plan of action’ to get Edgware Road back on its feet.”