Regent Street pedestrianisation plan revealed
A proposal has been unveiled for the pedestrianisation of Regent Street, with Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate revealing plans to create 35,000 m² of traffic-free public space in London’s West End. This will make the stretch from Piccadilly Circus to St James’s Park traffic-free, expand pedestrian space at Piccadilly Circus and improve cycling links, bringing regeneration to the heart of the capital.
These proposals mark a bold realisation of architect John Nash’s original vision to connect St James’s Park with Regent’s Park via a green urban spine . Regent Street already welcomes over 50,000 daily visitors, but cramped pavements, limited seating and climate pressures such as heatwaves and flooding mean change is overdue. The draft proposal removes the central island, widens footpaths, introduces two-way traffic on Haymarket and installs dedicated cycle routes, all designed to make streets more liveable.
Until 10th August, Londoners are invited to comment on the public realm proposals via an interactive consultation. This is an opportunity for residents, workers, and visitors to help shape an upgrade that could transform west London’s atmosphere. With implementation and funding set for agreement in 2026, this would be the most significant West End rewrite in over a century.
Local businesses and theatres around Piccadilly Circus could benefit from the enhanced public realm, and better traffic flow is expected once Haymarket accommodates diverted vehicles. Some taxi drivers have voiced congestion worries, but supporters say the pedestrianisation will revitalise chain‑store frontage and independent cafes alike.
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