A permanent transformation for Great Titchfield Street?

This summer we reported on the al fresco dining scheme on Great Titchfield Street in West Fitzrovia that sprung up in response to Covid. Now the local businesses who campaigned to swap parking places for outdoor seating have produced a vision to make the scheme permanent.

"We have a vison for our local businesses to continue to thrive and to come back from this pandemic stronger and better, and for the community to continue to come together over a drink or a meal, or just by passing each other in the street. This is our opportunity to create a truly wonderful street in a special part of Westminster." Peter Dore-Smith of Kaffeine.

Peter argues that the street is ideal for a continued alfresco scheme. It is nestled in the heart of the community, full of independent businesses, both hospitality and retail, and hosts a balance of homes and offices. Traffic is already limited since it runs one way from Mortimer Street, and the scheme itself has reduced through traffic and slowed down any vehicles that do use it.

The council has extended the scheme to April 2021, but these businesses want to see it made permanent, prioritising people over vehicles on the street as the 'new normal' for Fitzrovia.

We, of course, are in full support of this and would welcome this opportunity to turn streets into places where people feel safe and welcome, benefitting residents and businesses, and visitors alike.

Do you agree? Support the Great Titchfield vision by writing to movementstrategy@westminster.gov.uk and jturner2@westminster.gov.uk with your views.