Church Street May 2019 0753

Church Street community asked to help shape next steps

Thousands of new homes are under consideration at Church Street in Westminster, as part of a major consultation launched today.

Local residents are being presented with a range of options from maintaining the existing buildings as they are to full redevelopment, in a consultation that runs from 7 March to 18 April.

Some of the options provide opportunities for modern, energy efficient homes and many more new affordable homes for the community.

A public exhibition is available at 35-37 Church Street from 11 March.

This next step follows the council’s consultation in 2017 on an overall vision for the Church Street area which envisaged the creation of 1,750 new homes and up to 40% more publicly accessible open space.

Church Street connects Edgware Road with Lisson Grove and is home to a historic market first established in 1830.

It contains a large amount of properties built largely in the 1950s post-war social housing boom, following heavy bombing in the blitz.

Feedback from residents is that more genuinely affordable and good quality housing is needed in the area.

A full redevelopment option of the sites being consulted on could see 1,600 new homes built adjacent to Church Street, 130 new homes built close to Lilestone Street, and 190 new homes on the site of the council offices at Orchardson Street. Around half of these would be affordable homes.

Plans also include a new community, health and wellbeing hub and more green space.

Better access to health services, a better market and shops, and improvements to the pavements and streets were among the other priorities set out by residents. The options put forward seek to maximise all of these things.

Cllr Rachael Robathan, Westminster City Council cabinet member for finance, property and regeneration, said: “This is an exciting time and I am passionate about delivering something really positive for our Church Street community. We want to get a really clear idea of what works best for local people, before any decisions are made.

“Please take the time to consider carefully and give us your views in this consultation. We want as many people as possible to have the chance to share their opinion and help guide us, so please speak to family and friends in the area and encourage them to take part.”

Elsie, a local resident who is taking part in the council’s Engaged Residents Group, said: “I’m interested in seeing this from the beginning to fruition, I think that it will make this area lovely and really enhance the beauty of this part of Westminster.”

“For me it is good to be realistic and practical. I will continue to do my best to include my neighbours.”

To see the proposed options you can visit:

35-37 Church Street, Monday - Friday 10-4, between 10am and 4pm.

You can also speak to the engagement and regeneration teams at:

The Regeneration Base at 99 Church Street, Monday - Friday 9-5

There is also a website at churchstreet.org where an online survey is available, or you can request a paper copy of speak to a member of the Church Street team by calling020 7641 2968.

You can also call this number if you want to be a part of the ‘Engaged Residents Group’. Over 60 people have already signed up, and will be taking part in workshops, participating in planning exercises, and meeting architects.

Close