Huge new gardens could be built in central London

"Westminster City Council said in order for the construction to start on Cavendish Square Gardens, it must redesignate the land and allow time for public objections, according to a council report. The council's cabinet is set to approve the measure during a meeting on October 16 which will then see the appropriation advertised in a local newspaper for two weeks from the end of the month."

"Their proposal includes nearly doubling the pedestrian footway, installing a new moat-like water feature alongside fresh planting and building new entrances to the park along the south west. There are plans for a new major pedestrian crossing linking the square to Holles Street and Oxford Street and a two-metre-high railing to be installed around the gardens as well as 50 additional cycle parking spaces."

"Q Park, which runs the underground space, backs the plan and says it will surrender its lease, which runs until 2036. The company has experienced a drop-off in visit numbers and struggled to fill all 432 car park spaces. Westminster City said there are 103 annual or monthly permits held for the car park and they will be offered a space at other local public car parks within 1km of the site."

Westminster City Council has appropriated land to enable redevelopment of Cavendish Square Gardens and must redesignate the site and allow time for public objections. The council cabinet will consider the measure on October 16 and advertise the appropriation for two weeks, then review feedback in December before approving an agreement with developer Reed Group, which committed £3 million to revitalise the garden. Planned changes include a wider pedestrian footway, a moat-like water feature, new southwest entrances, a major pedestrian crossing to Holles Street and Oxford Street, a two-metre railing and 50 extra cycle spaces. Reed proposes converting the underground car park into a healthcare facility possibly including a hospital. Q Park supports the plan, will surrender its lease running to 2036, and the council will offer 103 permit holders spaces within 1km.

Read at www.standard.co.uk