Westminster Labour is moving to the next stage of plans to improve Westbourne Grove and the surrounding streets, following extensive feedback from residents, businesses and community groups.
Over the past months we have asked local people which ideas for the area they would most like to see taken forward as part of the Westbourne Grove Place Plan. Through surveys, workshops and local events, residents were able to review a range of possible improvements and tell us which they supported most.
One issue came up again and again: making it easier and safer to walk around the neighbourhood.
That’s why the most significant change now being developed is a redesign of the Fiveways junction, one of the most complicated and difficult places to cross in the area.
Based on the feedback we received, the Council is now moving from the ideas stage to the design stage, developing detailed proposals for the improvements residents supported most strongly.
The proposals we will now develop in more detail include:
- Reconfiguring the Fiveways junction to simplify the layout and make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross.
- Considering new traffic lights at the junction of Westbourne Grove and Hereford Road, helping manage traffic and improve safety.
- Improving crossings along Westbourne Grove including near Ledbury Road and Chepstow Road, helping people move more easily between neighbourhood streets and the high street.
- Creating a new civic space at Queensway Junction including exploring opportunities for markets or community events
- Widening pavements where possible, especially in the busiest sections of the high street where space is currently limited.
- Adding more trees and planting, helping make the street greener and improving air quality.
- Improving the connection between Westbourne Grove and nearby garden squares, including better walking routes to places such as Colville Square and Porchester Square.
- Creating more places to sit, with benches and informal seating so people can stop, meet friends and spend time locally.
- Opportunities for public art, helping celebrate the identity and history of the neighbourhood.
- Supporting outdoor café seating and active shopfronts, helping strengthen the high street and support local businesses.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for Planning & Economic Development said:
“We asked residents which improvements they wanted to see for Westbourne Grove and received a clear message that people want safer crossings, greener streets and a high street that feels easier to walk around.
The redesign of the Fiveways junction is the biggest potential change and could make a real difference to how people move around the area.
We’re now taking the ideas residents supported most strongly and developing them into detailed designs. And before any final decisions are made, we’ll come back to the community so that local people can help shape the final plans.”
Cllr Maggie Carman, Bayswater ward councillor, added:
“Westbourne Grove is one of the most important streets in our neighbourhood, used every day by residents, families, shoppers and local businesses.
Residents have been very clear that they want safer crossings, more greenery and streets that are easier and more pleasant to walk around. This next stage is about turning those ideas into detailed proposals, and we’ll continue working closely with the community as the plans develop