SOHO
Oxford Circus – part-pedestrianisation plans
The Council has announced proposals for a 150m-long section of Oxford Street, on either side of Oxford Circus, to be closed to vehicles by the end of the year, effectively cutting “London’s high street” in two. The stretch from John Prince’s Street to the west of Oxford Circus, through to Great Portland Street to the east will be shut to buses and taxis. This will be turned into two pedestrian “piazzas” on either side of Oxford Circus. There will still be traffic along Regent Street. You can read more here
http://westendextra.com/article/battle-lines-drawn-over-oxford-circus-piazzas
We have raised concerned that this might divert delivery vehicles, taxis and other vehicles on to streets north and south of Oxford Street.
All these changes are being introduced for six months on an ‘experimental’ basis which means the Council is not required to carry out full consultation before beginning work later this year. The FitzWest Forum has written to the Council arguing that full consultation should be carried out now because of the potential impact of these changes on Fitzrovia, as well as Soho, Marylebone and Mayfair.
What do you think of the part-pedestrianisation proposals?
Oxford Street shops
A ‘Property Week’ investigation found that Oxford Street empty retail rates have risen to 17%. Out of the 215 units that line Oxford Street currently 36 stand empty with ‘the rise of online shopping’ being the principal cause.
Helicopter Noise
West End Councillor Pancho Lewis, alongside West End Action Team members Paul Fisher, Patrick Lilley and Jessica Toale and have written an open letter to the Council and the Mayor reflecting residents’ concerns and distress caused by excessive helicopter noise. To see the letter and add your name go to https://bit.ly/HelicopterNoiseOpenLetterhttps://bit.ly/HelicopterNoiseOpenLetter
FITZROVIA
100 Club
Charleen Spiteri hosts an episode of Absolute Radio’s Tales From the Cloakroom where she talks to Jeff Horton about how the 100 Club on Oxford Street moved on from a purely jazz music venue in 1942, to the rock ‘n’ roll decades, punk, reggae and beyond. Spiteri talks to Horton about how his family acquired the club, and to some of the many artists who have played there, and its importance as a venue for new bands and DJs to this day.
https://planetradio.co.uk/absolute-radio/player/tales-from-the-cloakroom/317327/
Cartoon Museum, Wells Street
The Cartoon Museum in Wells Street has re-opened with an exhibition examining the cultural impact of the most ground-breaking series of comics ever to be published — V for Vendetta. At 63 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London W1A 3AE, until 31 October 2021.
https://fitzrovianews.com/2021/06/14/exhibition-explores-the-cultural-impact-of-v-for-vendetta/
MAYFAIR
Reeves Mews
We have asked the Council to investigate reports of persistent rubbish dumping in Reeves Mews and to take the appropriate action against those responsible.
Park Lane
Dave Hill asks what is happening with the Park Lane temporary cycle lane?
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/whats-happening-with-the-park-lane-temporary-cycle-lane/
Bond Street
Harriet Sherwood writes about Ollie Claridge, the last resident of Bond Street
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/jun/05/the-last-resident-of-bond-street-ollie-claridge