Tory-led Westminster accused of 'dithering' as major West End pedestrianisation plan pushed back

A scheme to make “the heart of Central London” traffic-free has been delayed.

The proposed changes would make the south side of Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street St James’s and Waterloo Place vehicle-free.

Westminster City Council’s Cabinet was due to make a final decision on the scheme in autumn, following another public consultation which should have taken place in summer. If approved, construction was then expected to begin in early 2029.

However it now seems that the proposals have been significantly delayed by the Tory-controlled local authority.

A council website page dedicated to the scheme now states that the wider stage of public consultation will not take place until 2027.

A look at what pedestrianisation of Piccadilly looks like

Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus

Westminster Labour, who had been pushing through the plans until they lost control of the council in May, has criticised the new administration for putting the scheme on the back burner.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Labour spokesperson for Planning and Economic Development, said: “Growth in the West End depends on high-quality public realm designed for people. The Regent Street scheme, developed closely with The Crown Estate, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise standards, improve traffic flow and create more and better traffic-free space for everyone.

“The Conservatives say they want a relentless focus on growth. Yet within months of taking office, they have delayed one of the biggest growth projects directly under the council’s control.

“We had already consulted thousands of people and there was clear support for moving forward. Of course, the council should continue talking to residents and businesses as the designs develop, but that shouldn’t become an excuse for endless rounds of engagement, dithering and delay.

The proposals for Regent Street

City of Westminster / Crown Estate

“The West End is competing with the best destinations in the world. If the Conservatives are serious about growth, they should get on with the Regent Street project.”

The proposed scheme, which is a partnership between the council and The Crown Estate, would also create 35,000 square metres of public space in Central London.

It would include improvements to Haymarket, adding greenery and reimagining the setting around All Saints Church. Around 5,000 people took part in a consultation on the proposals during summer 2025, with over 60 percent of respondents supporting them.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council has not yet responded to the Local Democracy Reporting Service’s request for a comment on the delay.