Full Breakdown
Westminster and Crown Estate Delay Regent Street Pedestrianisation Scheme
By Drooid · · How we work
Delayed Core Plan for Regent Street St James's
Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate’s joint proposal to make the stretch of Regent Street known as St James’s – the main artery south of Piccadilly Circus that leads to St James’s Park – traffic-free has been postponed. The plan also called for expanding the pedestrian plaza at Piccadilly Circus. The council had been expected to issue a final decision in autumn, but it has instead opened a new public consultation that will run until 2027.
Background and Recent Developments
The scheme forms part of a broader push to increase pedestrian space in central London. Earlier this year the mayor of London announced that a portion of Oxford Street will be pedestrianised from 26 October, a scheduled change that has yet to take effect. Westminster Labour originally oversaw the Regent Street project, but the party lost control of the council in May, shifting responsibility to the current administration.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson representing both Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate explained that the additional consultation was necessary because earlier rounds highlighted areas requiring further work. The council’s decision to extend the consultation timeline reflects its intent to address those concerns before committing to a final implementation plan.
Future Timeline
- Autumn 2024 – Original deadline for the council’s final decision (now deferred).
- 2027 – End of the newly launched public consultation period, after which the council may revisit the proposal.
- 26 October (scheduled) – The mayor’s Oxford Street pedestrianisation is set to begin, signalling continued momentum for traffic-free initiatives in the capital.