September was a busy month in London’s West End, not only welcoming back many valued office workers and customers, but also welcoming back physical campaigns and initiatives to our district that have been much missed over the past 18 months.
West End September Showcase
Celebrating sustainability, open spaces and experiences truly shows the evolution of the West End, and how our district and businesses respond to changing consumer habits.
Take a look below to find out what the New West End Company team, our members and partners ascross our district have been up to over the past month.
Art in Mayfair 2021
Art in Mayfair, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Art launched on 2 Septmber in celebration of the 253rd Summer Exhibition and is continuing until 17 October. While 30 flags designed by Gary Hume RA adorne Bond Street, stores across Mayfair have curated a collection of fabulous art inspired windows and are hosting an array of exclusive cultural and art led in-store events, experiences, showcases and pop-ups. Savile Row has also joined Art in Mayfair for the first time this year, with a wealth of collaborations between renowned artists and the celebrated tailors to showcase The Row’s unique relationship with the arts.
You can read more about the sculptures and full campaign here.
The campaign has received wide-reaching positive coverage, including in Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Country & Townhouse & The Resident. Watch below to hear more from artists and those involved in Art in Mayfair.
A more sustainable district
Oxford Street: Beyond Now
September saw Oxford Street launch Beyond Now, the destination’s first ever sustainable awareness campaign. Over 30 Oxford Street brands including Selfridges, Nike Town, The Body Shop, Lush, Urban Outfitters, H&M and John Lewis & Partners joined forces to shine the light on their commitment to drive positive change with a series of in-store events, sustainable services, and responsible products. The campaign which was fronted by fashion author and presenter Candice Brathwaite also saw the launch of Oxford Street’s first ever responsible edit – a 54-piece capsule collection using products from the conscious collections of members up and down Oxford Street. The campaign achieved wide-reaching positive coverage, including in the Evening Standard, Retail Gazette, Women’s Wear Daily, Industry.Fashion and Fashion Network. Watch below to find out more.
Westminster City Council's First Electric Fleet
Last month, Westminster City Council and Veolia unveiled their fleet of new and upcycled electric vehicles. The new fleet reduces emissions and paves the way toward being a carbon neutral district. New West End Company are currently working closely with Veolia to deliver our own electric street fleet in the coming weeks, making street cleaning in the West End fully electric for the first time.
E-Cargo Bike Grant Funding
Applications are now being accepted for e-cargo bike grant funding, provided by the Energy Saving Trust. The grant covers funding for up to 40% of the total cost of an e-cargo bike, up to a maximum of £2,500 for two-wheel models and £4,500 for three-wheel models. Please read the full eligibility criteria carefully. The deadline for applications is 14 December.
88 Regent Street Pop-up
Working in partnership with The Crown Estate and Westminster City Council, a pop-up at 88 Regent Street was lauched, celebrating six independent retailers and their long term commitment to sustainability. The six chosen brands are Saywood, Lab Tonica, LR.D, Buttress & Snatch, Petit Pli and 4649.REC. Visitors can interact with the brand’s founders and learn the sustainability practices that underpin the products, including upcycling vintage clothing, creating new products from old and crafting clothes with zero waste. It has been great to work closely with our partners at Westminster City Council & The Crown Estate to champion such practices right here in the West End.
Public Realm Completions
Hanover Square Gardens
Last month we celebrated the opening of Hanover Square Gardens, part of the wider Hanover Square transformation scheme. The opening of the gardens marked a huge milestone in the project and we are already seeing it enjoyed by the West End community. We welcomed those who have been key in delivering the project, a partnership between Westminster City Council, Great Portland Estates and a number of private sector partners. Click below to find out more about the Gardens from Westminster City Council, New West End Company, Publica, Great Portland Estates and landscape architect Todd longstaffe-Gowan.
Burlington Gardens
Earlier this week we celebrated the official opening of Burlington Gardens, and new public artwork for the Royal Academy of Arts. The £1.4 million scheme, in partnership with Westminster City Council, Publica and West End businesses has re-designed Burlington Gardens as a civic space, facilitating the shared use of the street by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The public realm design recognises the importance of the street for the Royal Academy of Arts, celebrates the Academy’s new entrance, provides an inviting threshold to several local places in anticipation of the Elizabeth Line station opening at Hanover Square, and reinforces the area’s setting as the centre of the London art world.
