Westminster City Council is consulting on proposals to transform the Strand Aldwych area, including the removal of a one way gyratory system by pedestrianising a section of the Strand and diverting traffic onto Aldwych.

“The future success of the area is at risk because of traffic, poor air quality and inadequate public spaces,” said the council’s cabinet member for planning and place shaping Richard Beddoe. “So working with local organisations we’ve developed some fresh ideas for the Strand Aldwych.”

By removing traffic from the Strand and creating new public spaces, including a plaza around St Mary Le Strand Church, the plan is to deliver a better pedestrian experience with reduced pollution. Improved walking and cycling connections to the South Bank, Covent Garden and the West End are also proposed.

The £28M scheme is expected to provide a significant boost to the area’s economy and cement its status as a world class cultural and learning quarter, the council says.

“Nothing is set in stone at this stage and we look forward to having constructive discussions as to how we can deliver a world-class scheme that benefits Westminster and London for many years to come,” said Richard Beddoe.

Walking charity Living Streets’ director of policy and communications Stephen Edwards commented: “The Strand Aldwych area plays a vital part in the cultural, academic and business life of the city, making it an important place for change.

“Measures to create new pedestrian and cycle zones in the eastern part of the Strand and boost pedestrian crossing are welcome and will improve local air quality. I hope many people will support the proposals to reduce traffic in this area.”

A public consultation on draft design ideas for the project is now open, with responses being welcomed until 13 March.

This comes after Westminster City Council vetoed the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s plans for the full pedestrianisation of Oxford Street last year. Revised proposals to walking space on Oxford Street while retaining two way traffic flow went out to consultation in November.

(Photograph: Westminster City Council)