Ambitious visitor centre unveiled as part of post-Covid economic fightback
By Julia Gregory, local democracy reporter
An “ambitious” visitor centre at Marble Arch in one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets will be part of the post-Covid economic fightback.
Hopes are high that the temporary visitor centre at Marble Arch Hill will help the area climb back to prosperity after the pandemic.
Visitors will get a bird’s eye view of London from the 25m viewing platform which could attract 200,000 sight-seers to the heart of London.
It’s part of Westminster City Council’s long-planned £150m blueprint for the Oxford Street shopping and business district which normally attracts 200m visitors a year.
The area around the 1.9km (1.2m) shopping street also supports 155,000 jobs and contributes £13bn in gross added value to the economy.
And when the Elizabeth line opens next year an estimated 60m more visitors are expected each year. Stations will open onto Dean Street, Hanover Square and Davies Street which the council said will “significantly” alter the way people move around the district.
Council leader Rachel Robathan said: “Our proposed Marble Arch Hill temporary visitor attraction at Marble Arch signifies our ambitious approach to the District.
“It will be important for bringing in visitors to support the local economy. However, it will offer so much more. We hope it will give people an opportunity to look afresh and with wonder at this well known, but sadly increasingly overlooked, area to recognise its beauty and importance.”
It’s hoped visitors will enjoy the “iconic location” and its connections with Oxford Street and Hyde Park, and attract them to other must-see destinations in the West End and beyond.
Research by the New West End Company (NWEC) suggests that over one-fifth of Oxford Street may not reopen when the latest lockdown ends.
The area has already suffered a body blow as Top Shop and Debenhams announced their closure due to the pandemic.
NWEC chief executive, Jace Tyrrell, said: “The past 12 months have been the toughest on record for businesses on Oxford Street and the surrounding area, and these ambitious plans are a sign of a forward thinking, sustainable and agile future for the District, creating an altogether stronger and more exciting high street that caters to the needs of the ever-evolving consumer.”
Westminster Council is also looking at pop up shops, more pedestrian space, pop up parks and landscaping to make the area more attractive for visitors.
And its long term plans include investment in Oxford Circus and Bond Street, Marble Arch and East Oxford Street, measures to improve air quality with a pedestrian-first approach and a zero-emission transport network.
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