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Artist’s impression of how the proposed Theatreland makeover could make a difference by 2012 |
Curtain up on ‘a rival to Broadway
THEATRELAND will rival Broadway in New York City for glitz after plans for a sparkly £6million makeover were unveiled this week.
Coloured lighting columns will line Shaftesbury Avenue and concrete will make way for glittering granite paving stones as part of the scheme launched by Westminster City Council.
The ambitious plans, which will also include the more mundane, but important, footpath- widening and street-decluttering, are part of an attempt to give the whole area a facelift and coherent identity separate from the West End.
The council is also exploring ways of improving public transport in the area with a number of bus routes being looked at.
The first raft of improvements will see the installation of specially tailored street lights with strips of LEDs running down the columns.
Councillor Alan Bradley, lead member for Theatreland said: “The West End boasts the highest number of theatres in the world and they make a huge contribution to tourism and the economy.
These plans will help put the sparkle back and set it apart as a unique entertainment destination and an integral part of what makes the West End so special.”
Richard Pulford, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre said: “West End theatre is a magical asset, which has for too long been let down by its surroundings.
“The initiative will ensure that the backdrop to Theatreland reflects that magic in a way that will lift the spirits of theatre-goers and of the general public.”
Work has already got underway and is due to finish in time for the Olympics in 2012. |
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