The official completion of the most ambitious public realm improvement scheme in Bond Street in over 30 years, a major £10 million transformation of the streetscape, has been completed.
The project will significantly enhance the experience for pedestrians, while still allowing traffic on the street. Delivered by Westminster City Council in partnership with New West End Company, GLA, Transport for London and with the support of Bond Street businesses, this scheme completes the first phase of a multi-million investment programme for the wider West End and marks a major moment for the street as a globally competitive luxury destination.
Bond Street’s mix of internationally renowned jewellers, fashion powerhouses and critically acclaimed galleries has cemented its position as one of the most sought after destinations for luxury brands looking to locate their global flagships. Since the improvement scheme began in April 2017, Bond Street has seen an unprecedented level of investment, with £50 million invested through 10 new brand openings and 6 major store refurbishments, as brands look to Bond Street as their new home.
Some of the highlights of the revitalised Bond Street include:
A brand new public square outside Ralph Lauren at the Burlington Gardens junction
More space for pedestrians through decluttering
High quality materials and lighting that complements and showcases the iconic brands
The completion of the Bond Street public realm project is the first phase in a wider scheme of investment into the West End, including Hanover Square and widespread improvements proposed for the Oxford Street District.
In 2017, the annual turnover in Bond Street reached £3 million a day and £1 billion annually. The street is the epicentre of London luxury and the unrivalled shopping destination for international globe shoppers looking to purchase designer goods.
While international, tax-free shoppers account just 29% of all visitors on Bond Street, they represent a significant 60% of all total spend. As a result of the public realm improvement scheme, the area’s streetscape and environment now reflects the quality of the prestigious brands who call it home, as well as the standard these high-net-worth international shoppers would expect.
RPA Perspective In the last 20 months, Chloè, Stella McCartney, Hublot, Alaïa and Pomellato have joined the impressive line-up of Bond Street brands, while Loewe, Givenchy, Roger Vivier and Alexander McQueen are all set to open new stores on Bond Street soon. Long-time Bond Street classics, including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chopard and Piaget have also undergone major store refurbishments, investing significantly in their Bond Street stores.
To cater for the large number of international shoppers who visit each year, Bond Street prides itself on its bespoke service offering and product expertise. Ensuring there are multi-lingual experts in store is one of the key ways brands make visitors feel at home. There are over 200 Mandarin speaking professionals working on Bond Street ready to support Chinese shoppers, who Global Blue identity as Bond Street’s largest international visitor group, spending an average of £1,560 per transition. As well as this, Bond Street boasts 120 personal shoppers, concierge services, personal shopping and even exclusive access and private dining for VIP clients.
The improvement scheme, which was delivered in just 18 months, will ensure Bond Street is ready to welcome the huge influx of visitors the Elizabeth Line will deliver. Once complete the new line will increase entries and exits from Bond Street station by a projected 74% and by 2021 there will be 69.3 million entries and exits at Bond Street station, making it one of London’s most popular transport hubs.
Cllr Richard Beddoe, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping and Planning, said: “Bond Street is an example of an excellent public and private partnership that has delivered a beautiful public realm scheme on time and on budget. This is a significant moment for the West End.”
Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive, New West End Company, said: “Today marks a significant moment for Bond Street and London’s West End, as we mark the completion of the first phase of a multi-million-pound development programme. Over the next three years, we’re looking forward to working with our key local partners to deliver an ambitious transformation for the entire West End, which will see significant injected into the area to support the increased connectivity the Elizabeth Line will bring.”
