Online Workshop 01

Online Workshop 015th August 2021

AGENDA

• Workshop and session introduction (15 mins)

• Group Workshop (40 mins)

• Session 1 – establishing Soho’s culture & identity

• Session 2 – movement & public realm

• Session 3 - climate crisis & environment

• Session 4 - business support & activation

• Next steps and closing (5 mins)

WELCOMEDeirdra ArmsbyDirector of Place Shaping & Town PlanningWestminster City Council

PROJECTOVERVIEW

THE TEAM

Communication and engagement lead

Responsible for facilitating workshops, providing insights to inform design and

reporting back.

Transport andmovement lead

Technical advice and design solutions relating

to the various modes and routes of movement to

and through Soho.

Design lead

Responsible for project management and

coordinating all input across WCC to ensure

feasibility.

Our aim is to develop a solid understanding of the aspirations of Soho’s communities and involve them to develop a range of objectives and projects that will deliver on these ambitions.

We will build upon work undertaken by stakeholders to consolidate a vision that reflects the wealth of knowledge, ambition and commitment to this neighbourhood.

VISIONThe vision will bring together the aspirations and ideas held by Soho’s communities.

We will produce: - A clear vision statement- A set of project objectives - An illustrated masterplan framework

This will be supported by a clear project pipeline identifying individual projects alongside key considerations such as likely cost and responsibility for delivery.

AIM OF THIS PROJECT

OUTPUTS

An overarching vision that alignswith stakeholder ambitions

A series of objectives thatdeliver on this vision

An illustrated masterplan framework that shows all proposals

A project plan describing the detail, timescales and roadmap to delivery

Visuals that illustrates the ‘character' and quality that could be achieved

Clear next steps with the potentialto begin delivery

Illustrative examples from WCC’s Harrow Road Place Plan developed by the Place Shaping team.

Build off the wealth of experience and past work of various stakeholders

Collaborate with stakeholdersthrough three workshops*

With options and precedents developed to inform discussions*

PROCESS

*Illustrative examples from WCC’s Harrow Road Place Plan developed by the Place Shaping team.

PROCESS

Workshop One• Take current thinking and local aspirations for Soho forward.• Discuss these further, aligning differences of opinion where possible.• Discuss what a future Soho could look like and what the priorities or objectives should be .

Workshop Two• We will discuss priorities or objectives that emerged from the previous session.• Using options (design, transport or similar) and precedents we will explore what potential projects look like.• Discuss timescales, deliverability, maintenance and funding to ensure our work is realistic.

PROCESS

Workshop Three• A draft framework will be presented, showing potential design solutions or projects across Soho. • This will be accompanied by a ‘project plan’ and we will look to identify priorities.• Final thoughts and comments will be sought for integration.

Consultation survey• A final draft strategy - consisting of a vision, objectives, framework plan and individual projects.• This will be made available publicly along with a digital survey to seek wider comments.• Beyond this we will set out a forward plan with clear next steps and responsibilities.• No strategy/plan will proceed without a majority of residents in favour.

SCOPE

This process is about moving towards delivery

This process will not:• Instantly change existing policies• Instantly change existing statutory processes• Directly influence wider projects such as Oxford Street District

SCOPE

PROGRAMME

PROJECTCONTEXT

WESTMINSTER CITY PLAN 2019 - 2040

A ‘specialist cluster’• Protected as a place whose character adds to

London’s global appeal.

Soho Special Policy Area• Development will reflect Soho’s unique character

and function, respecting the unique mixture of uses.

• Small scale mixed uses will be supported including specialist retail, creative, cultural and entertainment.

• Proposals for new drinking establishments considered with regard to their cumulative impact.

• The scale, setting and function of Soho and Golden squares and of St. Anne’s Churchyard to be protected

• Opportunities to improve the public realm explored

SOHO NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

• A vision, and set of policies have been developed as a joint venture between Soho residents and Soho businesses through the work of the Soho Neighbourhood Forum.

• The process commenced in 2015 and is currentlyat referendum stage

• Once approved it will have legal weight, giving the community a statutory voice that will influence the development and growth of Soho

SOHO NEIGHBOURHOODPLAN


• Preserve, enhance, and promote Soho’s heritage and culture

• Support and enhance Soho’s range and diversity of businesses

• Support investment which respects the Soho Conservation Area

• Promote entertainment, leisure and cultural activity

• Support residential community growth

• Improve air quality, green infrastructure and the public realm

• Promote walking, cycling and car free living

• Improve waste collection services, facilities and management

The SNP has established 8 objectives:



• 63 additional Recommendations and Projects

• This Vision for Soho project is an opportunity to begin to proactivley deliver upon the Neighbourhood Plan, and its recommendations and projects

• Aligning it with emerging WCC programmes and workstreams

• The non-statutory nature of this work allows the Vision for Soho and Soho Neighbourhood Plan to complement one another


SOHO SOCIETY VISIONFOR SOHO 2021 – 2040

SOHO BUSINESSALLIANCE PRIORITIES

CONTEXT

KEY LANDOWNER PRIORITIES inc.SHAFTESBURY & SOHO ESTATES

ASPIRATIONS OF SOHO’SWIDER COMMUNITIES

SOHO PLANS AND STRATEGIES

STUDIES PRODUCED THROUGH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN



CONTEXT





WESTMINSTERCITY PLAN 2019-2040

SOHO SPECIAL CHARACTER AREA

WEST END RETAIL AND LEISURESPECIAL POLICY AREA

WEST END STRATEGIC CULTURAL AREA

CITY FOR ALL2021-2022



CONTEXT



OXFORD STREETDISTRICT

AL FRESCO DINING &IMPACT OF COVID-19

WEST ENDPARTNERSHIP STUDIES

POP UPACTIVATION WORK

WESTMINSTER MARKETSSTRATEGY

WESTMINSTER ROUGHSLEEPING GUIDE CROSS RAIL

FREIGHT CONSOLIDATIONSTRATEGY



CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND ASSOCIATED INITATIVES

WEST END REVIVAL ANDINVESTMENT PROGRAMMES

VARIOUS LICENSING STRATEGIES

WESTMINSTERCITY PLAN 2019-2040

SOHO SPECIAL CHARACTER AREA

WEST END RETAIL AND LEISURESPECIAL POLICY AREA

WEST END STRATEGIC CULTURAL AREA

CITY FOR ALL2021-2022

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIES

WHAT WEHAVE HEARD

WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

PLACE &IDENTITY

'Soho’s streetscapes are historic'

'A loved part of London, and adored internationally'

'Has always been a place of tolerance'

'Creative types are attracted to Soho and are essential to the

spirit remaining'

'People love to see others enjoying themselves in Soho'

'It has become very affluent'

'Significant for the LGBTQI communities'

'Trends and movements are born in Soho'

It keeps reinventing itself

Its communities take pride in Soho

'Soho's late-night atmosphere can result in increased noise'

'People come for the experiences'

'Rents are very expensive'

'We must preserve Soho's heritage'

'Without essential services, Soho is losing its village feel'

'We are worried about gentrification'

‘Street variety makes Soho interesting'

'We want some streets bustling and other others quiet'

'People want to move out of Soho'

'I love getting lost in Soho, something interesting around every corner'

'It has a village feel to it'

'I love the grit, don’t make it too polished looking like it could be anywhere'

'Traffic dominance harmful to Soho's spirit'

'We love Soho because it is unique and different'

'Bring life back to streets'

WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

MOVEMENT &PUBLIC REALM

'Too many private hire vehicles'

Poor walking connectivity Footpaths too narrow

'Keep resident parking'

'Reduce pay-by-phone parking'

Streets for people, not cars

Only pedestrianisefor a clear purpose

Taxis are essential to end of night

safety

Focus on assisting delivery consolidation among independent businesses

No large vehicles, unless strictly necessary (e.g. construction or theatre sets)

Wider footpaths

Alfresco against facades

More public toilets

We want streets that are safe, clean, properly maintained and interesting to walk down

Streets better for cyclists

'Poor accessibility -wheelchair users avoid Soho'

Deliveries at all hours make it impossible to sleep

Consolidate delivery and

waste collection

We don’t want so many cars

'Cycling in Soho is dangerous'

'Stop the rat running '

'Traffic domination is harmful to Soho's spirit'

Wider footways which include shared space for loading and servicing at

certain parts of the day

'No westbound cycle connections'

We need more pedestrian only zones

WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

CLIMATEEMERGENCY & ENVIRONMENT

'Soho should lead the way on green neighbourhood and climate action'

'Soho Square is a loved part of Soho'

'Not enough green spaces in Soho'

'Air quality in Soho is poor'

'More public green space is needed, with higher quality design'

'Limit carbon dioxide emissions'

'Encourage green behaviours'

'Limit noise and light pollution'

'Waste is left on the streets for too long'

'Encourage cleaner vehicles'

'Where are the trees?'

'Waste on the streets is a big problem in Soho'

'Smith's Court is an oasis and one of Soho's best kept secrets'

'Increase biodiversity in Soho'

'We need real climate action'

'Little parklets would be great'

'Planter boxes with seats would be good'

WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

BUSINESS SUPPORT & ACTIVATION

'Berwick Street Market and Rupert Street Markets are adored'

'Alfresco made me fall in love with Soho again'

Soho businesses will not survive without support

'Encourage pop-up outlets and short-term leases to enable new businesses to test the water’

'Large drunken crowds have become a regular occurrence. This is negatively impacting upon, and changing the spirit of Soho'

'Support small, diverse, independent and local outlets, such as retail and delis, and independent restaurants, cafes and bars' 'Soho has a brilliant

mix of businesses'

'Independent businesses are essential to the spirit of Soho'

'COVID-19 is the biggest threat to Soho's Spirit. Support businesses or they will be lost'

'Soho is more than F&B'

'Alfresco made living in Soho unbearable at times'

'Support small offices, businesses and enterprise workspaces, which encourage innovation and creativity'

'Support a greater variety of leisure industries with small venues for performances and exhibitions'

'The alfresco scheme saved our business'

'Too many franchises threaten the spirit of Soho'

'The alfresco scheme in Soho brought the West End back to life'

KEY THEMES?

PLACE &IDENTITY

BUSINESS SUPPORT & ACTIVATION

CLIMATE EMERGENCY & ENVIRONMENT

MOVEMENT & PUBLIC REALM

INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS

15 min. City, Paris

Creating a world class, cohesive neighbourhood which exemplifies sustainable urban living in the heart of London.

Urban Mobility Plan, Barcelona

From a city where private and motorised mobility takes priority, to one focused on pedestrians with more green spaces, fewer vehicles and more public transport.

A PLACE TO LIVE A PLACE TO WORK A PLACE TO VISIT

Leading the conversation in recovery and renewal and setting trends around the

future of workplaces, independent retail, culture and hospitality.

A showcase for some of the quirkiest aspects of London history with a spirit of continued reinvention and celebration of

change and evolution.

An exemplar urban neighbourhood with a strong focus on local health and wellness, fostering strong community connections and the best of the city at its doorstep.

Soho must continue to function for a variety of audiences as…

POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES

POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Places for people Tell local stories

Enhanced servicingActive streetsGreener spaces

Accessible to all

Workshop #1Establishing the Brief

TODAY’S OBJECTIVES

• Take current thinking and local aspirations for Soho forward.

• Discuss these further, aligning differences of opinion where possible.

• Discuss what a future Soho could look like and what the priorities or objectives should be.

Ultimately it’s about us listening to you, as the local experts, understanding your perceptions of the issues and aspirations for the future of Soho.

SESSION 1 – ESTABLISHING SOHO’S CULTURE & IDENTITY

(10 minutes)

We want to understand what makes Soho special for you

• What is it, in it’s culture and identity, that makes Soho unique?

• How can we define the Spirit of Soho and tell its stories?

Please use the link in the chat to provide your feedback

SESSION 2 – MOVEMENT & PUBLIC REALM

(10 minutes)

What are the unique challenges of getting around Soho?

• Where do you find it hardest to walk around Soho and why?

• What has been the impact of temporary road closures on the ease of movement?

• Where do you experience challenges around heavy traffic and through movement?

• What are the barriers to cycling in Soho and where do they exist?

• What are the challenges for existing open spaces and how could they be improved?


SESSION 3 - Climate Crisis & Environment

(10 minutes)

How can Soho play it’s part in responding to the climate crisis

• What are the most significant challenges to climate action in present day Soho?

• What do you see as the immediate opportunities to address climate challenges?

• What long term initiatives could be trialled in Soho?


SESSION 4 - BUSINESS SUPPORT & ACTIVATION

(10 minutes)

What do businesses need from the public realm to thrive in Soho?

• What do businesses need from Soho’s public realm to thrive?

• How can the public realm help to manage the impact of business (eg evening & night time economy?)

• Where are there opportunities for further business support or activations, such as pop ups or events?


NEXT STEPS

• We will be accepting further comments via an online questionnaire until Friday 13th

August.

• We will be holding pop-ups listening stations in Berwick Street Market on 6th August and11th August

• A summary document will be published documenting feedback received – w/c 16th August

• Next workshops to discuss potential projects will be held w/c 27th September

visionforsoho.co.uk

THANK YOU

Documents

Online Workshop 01