The most recent version of On London’s podcast collaboration with The London Society includes a visitor who sees clearly the various points to be addressed if Sir Sadiq Khan’s plan is to succeed
Eight months have handed since Sir Sadiq Khan, backed by nationwide authorities, introduced his intention to revive his plan to convey pedestrianisation to Oxford Road by taking management of the “the nation’s excessive avenue” away from Westminster Council by means of the creation of a Mayoral Improvement Company, which might put Metropolis Corridor in command of its future.
Since then, many phrases have been spoken and written in regards to the venture, and a public session has taken place. However there may be nonetheless an extended strategy to go earlier than work can start on altering this legendary retail avenue within the methods Mayor Khan is hoping for. And if one factor has grow to be clear since his dramatic intervention final September, it’s that changing Oxford Road right into a tranquil, leisure and retail boulevard will entail a terrific deal greater than merely banning motor site visitors and placing down paving slabs.
The visitor for the most recent version of Speak About London, a be part of podcast enterprise by On London and The London Society (of which I’m a trustee), is Alexander Jan, previously chief economist with Arup, now chief financial adviser to the London Property Alliance, chair of the Central District Alliance and Hatton Backyard enterprise enchancment districts and in addition an On London contributor.
Alex talked me and my co-host, London Society chair Leanne Tritton, by means of the completely different and bonafide pursuits of native companies and native residents, the challenges of crime, upkeep and site visitors administration, and the query of who pays for all of it – an array of issues to be addressed, dilemmas to be resolved and circles to be squared if Oxford Road is be reworked in a method that works nicely for its neighbourhood, for London as an entire and for the great of the nation too.
You’ll be able to hearken to the podcats right here or right here or watch it beneath. Many due to Alex for participating and being so eloquent, clear and complete.
All earlier episodes of Speak About London may be heard right here and watched right here.
The opposite strand of The London Society’s podcast output is a sequence referred to as London Defined, comprising scripted documentaries researched, written and offered by me, and produced by BBC Radio 4 producer Andrew McGibbon. Our newest is in regards to the previous, current and attainable futures of Brick Lane.
Each varieties of London Society podcast may be heard and loved right here.
OnLondon.co.uk supplies distinctive, no-advertising and no-paywall protection of the capital’s politics, growth and tradition. Assist the web site and its writers for simply £5 a month or £50 a 12 months and get issues that different individuals gained’t. Particulars HERE. Comply with Dave Hill on Bluesky.
