Non-Residents Also Flock to Soho, Yet Decision-Making Power Remains with Local Residents?
In the heart of London, the iconic district of Soho is making a plea for a permanent change that could transform its future. The Soho Business Alliance, a group representing local businesses, is advocating for the Mayor to support their proposal to pedestrianise Soho, following the success of similar measures during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, Westminster City Council allowed Soho to be pedestrianised, blocking off through-traffic and relaxing licensing rules. This change enabled cafes, bars, and restaurants to expand their outdoor dining capacity, supporting approximately 80,000 hospitality jobs and helping prevent many Soho businesses from going bust [1].
The Soho Business Alliance views this pedestrianisation as essential for boosting footfall, sustaining hospitality jobs, and revitalising the area commercially in a post-pandemic environment. They have been actively pushing for this change, even going as far as to ask the Mayor to include plans for a pedestrianised Soho in the remit of the new Mayoral Development Corporation [1].
However, local councils, including Westminster and the Mayor's office, have not yet supported this proposal. This resistance is likely due to political reasons and possibly a lack of incentive to prioritise revenue generation from increased business activity [1].
Despite this, the call for pedestrianisation has gained momentum. The unique charm of Soho sets it apart from being just a collection of small towns around political and financial districts. Its name has been given to many districts across the world, including New York, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, and Beijing, testifying to its enduring allure.
Soho deserves better than being a cut-through for tour buses or taxis. Pedestrianising Soho can repurpose streets for pedestrians, outdoor dining, and smaller marketplaces, reducing pollution in enclosed and narrow spaces. This change could help Soho regain its status as a place where people want to go, not just pass through.
As the debate continues, it is hoped that the Mayor will reconsider his position and back the Soho Business Alliance's proposal. Joe Hill, policy director of Re:state, has urged the Mayor to change his stance, arguing that this move would be the right thing to do for Soho and for London as a whole [1].
[1] Data and information sourced from various news articles and reports on the topic.
- The proposal to pedestrianize Soho, backed by the Soho Business Alliance, aims to boost footfall, sustain hospitality jobs, and revitalize the district commercially, following the success observed during the pandemic.
- The temporary pedestrianization of Soho during the pandemic supported approximately 80,000 hospitality jobs and prevented many Soho businesses from going bankrupt.
- Local councils, including Westminster and the Mayor's office, have not yet supported the proposal for Soho's permanent pedestrianization, potentially due to political reasons or lack of incentive for revenue generation.
- Soho's unique charm sets it apart, as its name has been given to many districts worldwide, including New York, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, and Beijing.
- Advocates argue that pedestrianizing Soho can repurpose streets for pedestrians, outdoor dining, and smaller marketplaces, reducing pollution in narrow spaces, and helping Soho regain its status as a vibrant destination rather than just a thoroughfare.
