Up until the beginning of 2020, things were looking up. We had achieved most of our five-year targets up to 2020, the economy was growing; the West End was in much better shape with major capital commitments on infrastructure and enhancements in touching distance. We could credibly say we were in the premier league of destinations in the world to visit and do business. Our plan was to not stop there but continue to make things better.
But in spring 2020 everything changed.
The pandemic changed everything. Our priorities, our five-year plan disappeared overnight. With our members, partners and Westminster City Council, and residents, we refocused on the things that mattered most – everyone’s health and safety. And what a team effort. I cannot thank you all enough for doing whatever was needed to keep our customers, colleagues and community safe.
And, if we thought it was difficult to shut things down, the process of opening again and living with COVID-19 was always going to be one hundred times more difficult, nd so it proved.
Once again, as a consequence of the strong relationships we have between the many different and diverse partners within our district, we have risen to the challenge, and whilst we are nowhere near where we all want to be today, we are confident that through delivery of this plan, with our COVID response priorities and with you and our partners, we will get back to 2019 economic levels within five years.
Over the next twelve months our top priority is to return customers to the West End and push the Government and London authorities on a series of support measures:
- Reverse the decision to abolish Tax Free Shopping
- Continue with the Business Rates holiday until fundamental reform
- Get started on the £150 million Oxford Street District Scheme
- Push the Mayor and TfL to Open Crossrail as soon as possible
- Present and activate temporary uses and empty voids across the West End to encourage customers back
So, our plan is not yesterday’s document but today’s. It is a plan based on what we learnt over the last twenty years, but it is also building on the collaboration we have truly valued and strengthened in 2020 with a collective focus on making things happen.
The West End is facing long-term structural challenges now accelerated as a result of COVID. Much has changed as a result of the pandemic. How we work is changing; what we shop for, and who we shop with and when; how we spend our time in dining and leisure is on a new path; the world and people’s purpose is moving faster than ever before, and we must keep ahead.
Our business plan, summarised in our manifesto to you, our members, seeks to focus on the areas where we know we can make a difference and at the same time support all our partners in delivering our shared sustainable goals. I and the full team at New West End Company, look forward to working together with you to enable it to get done.
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