Placemaking Strategy Published

Last week saw the publication of our Placemaking Strategy for the Baker Street and the Marylebone area, produced in partnership with The Portman Estate, setting out a vision for the future of the area – reimagining it as an exceptional place to live, work, study and visit, and developing a community-driven approach towards an active, greener, safer and more inclusive neighbourhood.

The study looks at every aspect of the area, centred around physical public realm improvements, but also taking into account greening & biodiversity, navigation, safety & security, culture & identity, accessibility & inclusion, and respite & wellbeing. We carried out extensive consultation to try and ensure we captured and the views and experiences of a broad cross section of the community with pop-up stands, an online comment map and survey, stakeholder meetings and one on one meetings with representatives of less heard from groups. This enabled us to capture input from residents, those that work locally, students, young people, business owners and stakeholders. This was supplemented with evidence collated through mapping, previous studies and socio-demographic profile data.

The resulting Placemaking Strategy identifies practical steps that will help nurture the area and respond to the needs of as many people as possible, including area-wide initiatives that encompass improvements to the physical environment alongside activities that increase activity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Marylebone is blessed with a unique combination of community spirit, a neighbourhood feel, attractive and green spaces with independent retail and dining. The Strategy recognises that the area must continue to adapt and evolve to ensure its future vitality and provides recommendations of how this evolution can most positively develop, putting people and sustainability at the heart of ambitions.

More information about the Placemaking Strategy along with a link to download the document in full, is available here. Share your thoughts on this or any of our other projects by getting in touch with us at [email protected]