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Calls to scrap £40m Oxford Street scheme
BATTLE lines have been drawn over the future of the eastern end of Oxford Street after councillors accused the group masterminding the redevelopment of running a “dictatorship”.
Three West End ward councillors are calling on the government to pull public funds from New West End Company (NWEC), the body responsible for the £40million makevoer of the street.
The rebel Tory councillors crossed party lines to accuse the council of playing poodle to a powerful business alliance, claiming the council has been blackballed from important decisions.
Deflecting the attack, the council has defended its position, claiming it must “balance the competing demands of the area”.
One of the councillors, Ian Wilder, said the newly appointed chairwoman of the company, Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas, would “suck the blood” from the street if she pushed through rent hikes.
Ian Wilder has been joined by Glenys Roberts and Frixos Tombolis in starting a campaign to fight the redevelopment.
The New West End Company was established in 2002 as a Business Improvement District (BID), a public-private partner?ship where businesses elect to pay additional taxes to fund improvements.
Although both the chief executive and deputy leader of the council sit on the board of directors, none of the £35m funding comes from the council – being split between business concessions and money from central government.
Councillor Wilder said: “Ever since they were set up the NWEC have said they wanted to tidy up Oxford Street. It’s five years of propaganda. Their plan is completely undemocratic and they have taken over the running of Oxford Street like a dictatorship.”
He added: “I don’t think they should get any public money at all.
“They are going to destroy one of the most historic streets in London.
“The bottom line is they get 50 per cent less rent on that side of Oxford Circus and they don’t like it.”
It is understood NWEC has not ruled out knocking down some of the historic buildings that flank the street.
A spokesman for the NWEC refuted charges of strong-arming the council.
He said: “Our aim to improve the eastern end of Oxford Street is a key part of our business plan that was widely consulted upon and formally endorsed by Westminster Council’s cabinet before being voted for by a clear majority of the district’s retailers in December 2007.
“The construction of the Crossrail station at Tottenham Court Road gives a once in a lifetime chance to look at the future shape of the east end of Oxford Street and we believe that all involved should take this opportunity to explore how to improve this area.”
Councillor Robert Davis, deputy leader, said: “The council has to balance all the competing demands of the area to ensure its long-term success.
“Key to our success has been our partnership with the New West End Company. While the council is proud to fight our residents’ corner to ensure their voice is heard, we must address the very real challenges which the West End faces.”
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