Progressive and High-Quality Environment

Creating a compelling and inclusive place that supports well-being and has sustainability at its heart with informed place shaping projects.

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Building on our Placemaking Strategy, developed in partnership with The Portman Estate, we continued to implement improvements that move the area towards a greener, more accessible and people-focused neighbourhood.

Area enhancements included the transformation of the disused toilet blocks on Marylebone Road through a coordinated decorative scheme, delivered with funding and support from the University of Westminster, Westminster City Council and Marylebone and Regent’s Park Ward Councillors. We succeeded in securing owner funding for Great Central Street improvements feasibility studies, and also continued to work closely with property owners’ retail teams to support a vibrant and diverse mix of ground-floor uses across the district.

New planters were installed along the walking route between Baker Street and Marylebone stations, funded by Greening Westminster grants from Westminster City Council and Chiltern Railways, and supported by an ongoing maintenance programme.

The online Urban Greening Guide continued to encourage businesses to incorporate planting into their buildings and frontages. AccessAble guides, now totalling 27, were promoted to support visitors with additional needs, with new guides for local attractions and businesses produced in partnership with The Portman Estate. Our Marylebone on Display art and charity displays continued at Marylebone Station, funded by Chiltern Railways. We were especially proud that these displays received the ‘Project of the Year’ award at the Chiltern Railways Community Awards.

Progress was made on key infrastructure projects, including the Allsop Place crossing, Baker Street station forecourt and early planning for improvements around Marylebone Station and Great Central Street, working with Places for London, TfL, Westminster City Council and local property owners.

✦ We aim to progress at least one Placemaking project to implementation/detailed design stage, attracting external funding and achieving positive consultation. The projects we are working to progress are:

– Enhancements to Great Central Street

– Improvements to Baker Street Station forecourt

– Enhancement of Orchard Street

– A pedestrian crossing for Allsop Place

– A new public space at Manchester Square

– Improvements to wayfinding

✦ Promote participation by businesses and landowners in the established planter implementation and maintenance scheme.

✦ Work with wider stakeholders to progress SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), tree planting and other wider greening initiatives, subject to funding.

✦ Promote the commissioning of additional AccessAble guides by businesses and property owners in the area.

✦ Ensure accessibility and sustainability features are included in all public realm project briefs.

✦ Progress accessible features and improvements identified in the AccessAble surveys, including public seating, subject to funding.

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