More pedestrianisation plans for London's West End

Plans to pedestrianise another road in London's West End have been put forward.

The proposals would make Regent Street St James's - the road directly to the south of Piccadilly Circus, running to St James's Park - traffic free and enlarge the pedestrian space at Piccadilly Circus.

Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate's planned scheme would also see safer cycling routes introduced on Regent Street and the introduction of two-way traffic on Haymarket.

City Hall said it welcomed the plans and said the idea "complemented" the mayor's plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street

The draft masterplan reimagines architect John Nash's original ambition, set out 200 years ago, to connect St James's Park to Regent's Park, Westminster City Council said.

Proposals also include the "greening" of Regent Street, improving pedestrian crossings on the road and removing the central island running along the street.

Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development at Westminster City Council, said the plans would create "a new network of public spaces".

"This is a rare opportunity to reimagine the heart of the West End as a greener, more welcoming and accessible place that works better for residents, visitors and local businesses alike," the Labour councillor said.

He said the council was urging everyone who lives in, works in or visits the area to take part in its public engagement.

Kristy Lansdown, from The Crown Estate, said the plans would ensure the area was "fit for the future".

The redevelopment plans for Regent Street St James's come after the Mayor of London said plans to pedestrianise parts of Oxford Street will move forward "as quickly as possible".

Sir Sadiq Khan said there had been an "overwhelmingly positive response" to the separate pedestrianisation plans for Oxford Street, which were needed "urgently".

City Hall said it had been in touch with Westminster City Council and the Crowne Estate on their plans "well in advance" of setting out the Oxford Street plans.

The future implementation of the proposals, along with the ways in which they are funded, are to be agreed by the council and The Crown Estate in 2026.

Members of the public can have their say until 10 August.

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