The vision for Westminster must strive for economic vitality, ensuring that the West End remains a world-class destination for retail, hospitality, and leisure, whilst also meeting continued demand for grade-A office space. We appreciate the Council’s commitment to broad, strategic engagement at this formative stage and look forward to contributing to a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the City of Westminster, and the vital role the West End plays in its success.

Since the adoption of the 2021 City Plan, the West End has experienced significant change. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, shifts in working and shopping patterns, rising costs in the development sector, and evolving national and regional policy frameworks have all created new challenges and opportunities. Despite this, the district has demonstrated resilience; footfall and spend have seen muted but sustained growth, supported by the visitor economy and an influx of investment into retail and hospitality, and increasingly offices. Our response is informed by these developments and by the experiences of our members as they adapt to this emerging environment.

The following are key issues that we urge Westminster City Council address in the City Plan:

• Maintain a retrofit first, rather than a retrofit only, policy, to meet flexible demand and support growth.
• Work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), and ensure local business objectives align.
• Collaborate with Transport for London and other bodies to appropriately regulate e-bikes and pedicabs.
• Support the implementation of digital screens in a manner which is sensitive to heritage and wider streetscape.
• Secure the West End’s growing reputation as a global destination for business, and incentivise investment in areas of emerging demand, such as grade-A office space and mixed-use development.

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