Regent Street pedestrianisation delayed until 2027
Westminster City Council and Crown Estate push back decision on St James's scheme
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Both sources cite a council spokesperson and quote a named councillor, with one also referencing a council website page.
Higher is stronger
Both articles clearly separate fact from comment and provide specific details about the scheme and its delay.
Higher is stronger
Headlines use loaded language like 'dithering' and 'pushed back' which is somewhat sensationalised for the story.
Lower is better
A significant scheme to create more traffic-free public space in central London has been delayed. Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate's proposal to make Regent Street St James's, the road south of Piccadilly Circus, vehicle-free has been postponed. The plans also aimed to increase pedestrian areas around Piccadilly Circus.
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The council was expected to make a final decision on the Regent Street St James's scheme in autumn. However, a dedicated council webpage now indicates that a wider stage of public consultation will not occur until 2027. This pushes back the timeline for a final decision and subsequent construction, which had been anticipated to begin in early 2029.
Criticism from Labour
Westminster Labour, which previously managed the plans before losing control of the council in May, has criticised the current administration. Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Labour spokesperson for Planning and Economic Development, described the delay as 'dithering and delay'. He stated that the scheme represented a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to improve public realm and traffic flow, and that previous consultations showed clear support for moving forward.
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Mr Barraclough added that the West End must compete with global destinations and that delaying the project hinders growth. He argued that continued engagement should not be used as a pretext for prolonged delays.
Council response
A spokesperson for Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate stated that the delay was due to previous consultation rounds highlighting areas needing further work. They said they were in the 'next phase of focused stakeholder engagement' and were committed to developing a scheme that incorporated feedback. The spokesperson confirmed that the next phase of wider public consultation is anticipated during 2027.
The proposed scheme encompasses 35,000 square metres of new public space in central London, including enhancements to Haymarket, the addition of greenery, and improvements to the setting of All Saints Church. City Hall had previously welcomed the plans, stating they complemented the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, which is set to begin on 26 October.
Questions this report answers
+Why has the Regent Street pedestrianisation scheme been delayed?
Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate have delayed the scheme because previous consultations highlighted areas where more work was needed. They are now entering a phase of focused stakeholder engagement and plan a wider public consultation in 2027.
+What will the Regent Street pedestrianisation scheme create?
The proposed scheme aims to make Regent Street St James's and parts of Piccadilly Circus traffic-free. It is expected to create 35,000 square metres of public space in central London, with improvements to Haymarket and the area around All Saints Church.
+When will a decision be made on the Regent Street scheme?
A final decision on the Regent Street St James's pedestrianisation scheme will not be made until after a further public consultation. This consultation is now planned for 2027, significantly delaying the project's progression.
News London Desk
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