Landscaping
The Victoria Embankment Gardens provides open space for local residents and visitors, however access to the Gardens was unclear and was further weakened by a rise in level near the entrance.
The changes include removing the steps outside the entrance to Victoria Embankment Gardens, to open up the highway space to pedestrian activity, and relocating these directly adjacent to the Victoria Embankment Gardens entrance. The new steps in front of the gates have a porphyry/granite finish. A new retaining wall features around the frontage of the entrance to the Gardens with new planting provisions.
Welcome
WSP and FM Conway were appointed by Westminster City Council to improve the public realm and placemaking of Villiers Street; to improve the route for pedestrians by making it more pedestrian friendly - and increase the safety of the street from potentially hostile vehicles.
The works have provided a street that is both visually inviting and pedestrian friendly, supported by enhanced security measures and temporary timed closures to improve the look and feel of what is a heavily used pedestrian space.
Why?
- Villiers Street is a narrow street connecting Strand to the Embankment as well as train and underground stations, particularly Embankment Station and Charing Cross Station - The previous layout gave priority to vehicular traffic, which reduced the space available to pedestrians.
- The paving was uneven and worn, with street clutter taking up valuable space.
- The nearby Victoria Embankment Gardens provides open space for local visitors but access to the garden was not obvious, and suffered from a rise in ground levels, which made it less visible.
- The Villiers Street project was also developed to increase protective security and to address public safety concerns, as the area has been identified as a high-risk location for ‘vehicle-as-a-weapon’ attacks due to the narrow width, the high pedestrian volumes and the uncontrolled vehicle access.
How?
The changes are listed below:
- Removed uneven surfaces, and introduced high quality footway paving in natural materials, and carriageway surfacing for Villiers Street, extending in side streets where required.
- Improved planting and upgraded lighting to enhance the look and feel of Villiers Street, has achieved an overall upgrade to the Public Realm.
- Decluttered the footways by removing certain street features, to create wider and less cluttered footways, which has enhanced the pedestrian experience.
- Enhanced public safety by introducing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures around the perimeter of the scheme.
- Timed road closures reducing vehicular access to the area.
- Restricted access to Villiers Street for loading vehicles during peak pedestrian utilisation periods, through the removal of marked bays and introduction of dedicated times for access for such activities.
THE SCHEME
The scheme incorporates:
- A timed pedestrian and cycle zone along the length of Villiers Street between Embankment Place and John Adam Street as per the signage below;
- Full pedestrianisation on Villiers Street between John Adam Street and Strand.
- The existing two pay-by-phone parking bays on John Adam Street relocated to the east of Buckingham Street.
- An existing 5-metre section of single yellow line waiting restrictions on Craven Street changed to double yellow line waiting restrictions.
- 30 metres of existing taxi rank provision in Embankment Place relocated to Whitehall Place, replacing existing residents’ parking provisions.
- Two 10.5-metre loading bays introduced at the north-eastern end of Embankment Place.
- The cycle stands by Embankment Station removed and relocated nearby, with a net increase in cycle parking.
- From 22nd July 2024 - Villiers Street open to traffic between 5am and midday, throughout the week. It is intended that, wherever possible, all deliveries and servicing are undertaken in these morning hours when Villiers Street is open.
- Emergency services have 24/7 access to Villiers Street.
- The bollards controlling access to Villiers Street are electro-mechanically operated and will provide access to all emergency services without any delays.
- Cyclists are permitted at all times.
General door-to-door deliveries and servicing should be undertaken when Villiers Street is open (between 5am and 12pm throughout the week). Planned deliveries, including online shopping, should be arranged and carried out with this in mind, wherever possible. Deliveries that are completed by cyclists, e.g. food or document deliveries, will be unaffected by the closure.
Any deliveries by motor vehicle to Villiers Street occurring when the road is closed will be required to take place from the marked loading bays in Embankment Place and completed on foot. Two 10.5-metre loading bays (with sufficient space for four cars) have been introduced in this road near the southern bollard-controlled entrance to Villiers Street. In addition, some loading / unloading capacity in John Adam Street will also be available. Wherever possible, residents and businesses are encouraged to arrange for deliveries to be made during the hours when Villiers Street is open.
What does the project mean for me?
Residents
The proposals sought to return Marylebone to how it was originally intended; as a place for people.
Introducing two way traffic flow aimed at reducing the need for traffic to follow unnecessarily long routes around the road system and the volume of traffic having to make circuitous routes on residential streets to access and leave locations across the area.
The project has made it easier for residents to cross the road by introducing new controlled crossings and improving existing crossings. Improvements at Gloucester Place – George Street are now under review as part of our monitoring strategy.
As part of the wider improvements to the area, wider footways have been introduced along Baker Street and at Dorset Square, alongside reduced street clutter and improved street lighting where it is most needed. The scheme has also introduced more trees (further information on trees is available on our FAQ’s page.
Business
Removing the old one way system aimed at creating a safer, more pleasant neighbourhood where people want to spend time. By making it easier for residents and visitors to access local businesses, the project aims to help businesses grow.
The project has also helped prepare the area for additional visitors and commuters that can be expected when Crossrail opens and to accommodate additional numbers of people resulting from the Chiltern Line upgrade into Marylebone station.
Businesses currently based on Baker Street and Gloucester Place can now feel as if they are located in a historic and prestigious location rather than on an urban motorway.
Pedestrians
The project has delivered significant improvements to pedestrian amenity in the area including:
- More than 50 upgraded signalised pedestrian crossing points, with green man and countdowns along 23 signalised junctions.
- Wider crossings with shorter crossing distances;
- New crossings in six locations improving pedestrian safety and comfort;
- Wider footways along Baker Street and at Dorset Square;
- Enhanced signage;
- Reduced street clutter and accompanied by improved street lighting helping address pedestrian congestion and the risk of petty crime.
The project has also sought to create better pedestrian links to the major transport hubs at Bond Street, Baker Street and Marylebone stations.
Cyclists
The project has introduced more places to park bicycles and new cycle lanes to connect the area with the London Cycle Grid. This coupled with new advanced stop lines at all signalised junctions.
Motorists
The previous one way road system had sections where there was little delay followed by sections that became heavily congested. The introduction of two-way traffic aimed at improving journeys through the area.
Bus users
Creating two way traffic flow on Baker Street and Gloucester Place has long been an aspiration of Transport for London in order to improve access to buses and take passengers closer to their destinations. The project aims to make the bus network easier to understand, by locating northbound and southbound services on the same street, where possible. Bus stops could also be combined and relocated to more suitable positions.
Further information
More detailed information regarding what has been delivered can be found on our FAQ’s page:
THE TEAM
Westminster City Council
Westminster City Council is the highway authority responsible for Baker Street and Gloucester Place south of Marylebone Road. These roads form part of the Strategic Route Network (SRN). The City Council has led on the Baker Street Two Way project.
Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London, including major roads and bus services. Its role is to implement the Mayor of London’s transport strategy and to manage transport services across the capital. TfL is the highway authority responsible for Baker Street and Gloucester Place north of Marylebone Road and Marylebone Road itself. These roads form part of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).
Baker Street Quarter Partnership
Baker Street Quarter Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation that was established by a core group of businesses to bring newfound purpose and focus to the Baker Street and Marylebone area. Representing over 160 organisations it aims to create a thriving and prosperous area for the entire local community. Its three core areas of work focus on creating a high quality public realm, a vibrant area and providing member services. It is already making an impact on traffic reduction through its waste and freight consolidation programmes.
The Portman Estate
The Portman Estate is located between Oxford Street and Edgware Road, and extends north towards the Marylebone Road and east to Manchester Square. The Estate is a mixture of residential, retail and office space and it aims to deliver a sense of community amongst its occupiers. Over recent years, The Portman Estate has restored many Georgian buildings to today’s high standards, and has created contemporary homes and offices that reflect their historical context.
It has also improved many areas, such as Portman Square and New Quebec Street, through co-investment with the Council.
Latest News
New Arrangements for Villiers St
The new arrangements for the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone in Villiers Street are aimed to be in effect from 5am on Monday 22nd July 2024 and the timed closure will commence operation from midday on Monday 22nd July. Matador bollards have been installed and will be operational both at Embankment Place and John Adam Street.
Hours of opening in Villiers Street:
- From 5am to midday, 7 days a week
- Two loading bays are available on Embankment Place. Additionally, the 20-metre taxi rank on Embankment Place can be used for loading purposes between midday and 3pm.
- Businesses will need to consolidate their deliveries during the opening hours of 5am to midday, 7 days a week, and/or use the additional loading areas provided on Embankment Place at other times.
A unique pin code will be in operation for registered vehicles for specific purposes. Emergency services will be able to gain access through the bollards using the intercom. View the redacted TMO objections report: https://westminstertransportationservices.co.uk/villiers-street
TMO Consultation
We are now consulting again on the timed closure of Villiers Street.
We are proposing to:
- Increase the hours of opening in Villiers Street from 5am to 12 noon, 7 days a week.
- Provide loading bays on Embankment Place (as proposed previously)
- Use a 20-metre taxi rank (on Embankment Place) for loading purposes between 12 noon and 3pm.
See the TMO website for full details, and to have your say. Send your feedback by 22 November 2023 to tmo.westminster@wsp.com
or write to:
WSP Traffic Order Team
3rd Floor, WSP House
70 Chancery Lane
London, WC2A 1AF
Public Realm Works ongoing
You can subscribe for email-updates by clicking here.
Public Realm Works to start on 9th May 2022
The TMO consultation is now closed (23rd Feb 2022). Responses are currently being reviewed. However, works to the public realm elements of the scheme will commence on 9th May 2022. See our construction section for more information.
The TMO results will be published on this website soon, and until that is completed, no works will commence on site that will impact on existing traffic orders. You can subscribe for email-updates by clicking here.
Consultation
The TMO consultation will be live from 2nd February until 23rd February. Click here to find out more and to provide feedback.
On 03/08/2021 the Cabinet Member Report was published with a decision for Approval, subject to several recommendations. These recommendations and full details can be read by downloading the Cabinet Member Report below.
Download Cabinet Member Report 11th August 2021
The Villiers Street Consultation has now ended. You can subscribe for email-updates by clicking here
If you have any questions that aren’t answered in our FAQs, you can email us at VilliersStreet@wsp.com (please do not submit Traffic Order queries to this email address).
Frequently Asked Questions
VILLIERS STREET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I do in an emergency?
Emergency services requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street should use the intercom at the bollard line at the junction with Embankment Place to gain access to the road.
Similarly, for minor medical emergencies, the attending vehicle’s driver should use the intercom to gain access to the road.
What should I do if there is an event, a need for urgent access (e.g. burst pipes or failed electrics), or need for egress where Strand is closed?
Utility companies and engineers requiring urgent vehicular access to Villiers Street should use the intercom at the bollard line at the junction with Embankment Place to gain access to the road. The security company, ASM, uses an ANPR camera and an overview camera to verify someone’s identity. This provision can be reviewed by ASM on a case-by-case basis. In circumstances where urgent access is required on a regular basis, businesses or residents can apply to the City Council for PIN code access to be granted for emergency purposes.
Planned road closures are communicated to residents in advance so that they can make alternative arrangements. For planned public events, the City Council, working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, will use temporary signs, event marshals and / or support from uniformed police to direct traffic as required.
Unplanned / short-notice road closures such as for a burst water main or for protests, etc., are implemented by the City Council or the Metropolitan Police, as appropriate, and, therefore, residents would need to follow temporary traffic signs or police directions. Movement out of the area for exceptional reasons during such unplanned closures (such as by proceeding against the one-way working in Villiers Street) would only be permitted if indicated by temporary signs or at police discretion to ensure the safety of all highway users.
What should I do if I require building works / repairs?
Anyone requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street for building renovation / construction / demolition, scaffolding or crane operations should follow the usual process of seeking approval via the City Council’s Highways Licensing Team. Upon approval, the team will provide the applicant with a PIN code to access the road.
What should I do about property maintenance?
When Villiers Street is open, anyone requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street for internal building works or other planned / unplanned contractor access can enter the road to load / unload their vehicle. Please note that loading / unloading activities are restricted to 20 minutes between 11.00 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. in all roads in Westminster that are subject to waiting restrictions and do not have otherwise signed loading restrictions. There is no time limit outside of these hours provided the activity is ongoing and evident to a traffic marshal observing the vehicle. Once loaded / unloaded, the vehicle should leave the area or be moved to an appropriate parking place outside of the Pedestrian Zone while the works take place, as appropriate.
Where it is necessary for a vehicle to load / unload for an extended period and in doing so would contravene the Westminster-wide general restrictions on loading, it will be necessary to seek a yellow line dispensation. Similarly, where it is necessary for a vehicle to park in Villiers Street it will also be necessary to seek a yellow line dispensation.
When Villiers Street is closed, anyone requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street for the above purposes should apply for a parking dispensation. Upon approval, the applicant will be provided with a PIN code. The parking dispensation would override any time limits on waiting or loading while it remains valid.
What should I do if I have exceptional large, heavy, fragile or valuable deliveries or equipment?
When Villiers Street is open, anyone requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street for deliveries can enter the road to load / unload their vehicle. Please note that loading / unloading activities are restricted to 20 minutes between 11.00 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. in all roads in Westminster that are subject to waiting restrictions and do not have otherwise signed loading restrictions. There is no time limit outside of these hours provided the activity is ongoing and evident to a traffic marshal observing the vehicle. Once loaded / unloaded, the vehicle should leave the area.
Where it is necessary for a vehicle to load / unload for an extended period and in doing so would contravene the Westminster-wide general restrictions on loading, it will be necessary to seek a yellow line dispensation. When Villiers Street is closed, anyone requiring vehicular access to Villiers Street for the above purposes should apply for a parking dispensation. Upon approval, the resident or applicant will be provided with a PIN code. The parking dispensation would override any time limits on waiting or loading while it remains valid.
If a vehicle is being used for the purpose of furniture removal or installation as part of moving house or office, the normal restrictions on waiting and loading do not apply. However, dispensation would still be required during the times when Villiers Street is closed.
What are the disabled access options?
The City Council has reviewed disabled access to Villiers Street during the times at which it would be closed as part of its Equality Impact Assessment and considers that the only exceptions for general disabled access would be for visitors to the Charing Cross Theatre which has been identified as being too far from other appropriate parking. The theatre will manage access for any ticket holders with limited mobility.
Residents of Villiers Street who are disabled or have mobility issues can request the PIN code for the barriers from the City Council. Residents can also apply for the PIN code if they have visitors requiring disabled access.
Any other specific disabled access needs would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the time a resident or business approaches the City Council with their request. The City Council would review the details of the request and then decide the most appropriate way to provide access, i.e. via PIN code, through an application for dispensation, or via the intercom at the barrier at the south-eastern end of Villiers Street.
Will waste collection be affected?
The City Council’s waste collection contractors will have their vehicles pre-registered so that they can access Villiers Street during the times at which it would be closed via ANPR and continue to collect refuse as normal.
What will happen when there are street works / lighting works / utilities works?
For planned works, contractors should apply for a permit in the normal manner and a PIN code will be provided.
In the event of utilities or highways works, it would normally be the case that traffic management plans are provided to the City Council’s Streetworks permit team who then liaise with the utility companies to ensure access is maintained as much as possible. the City Council would normally seek to avoid a complete route closure. Historically, if any utility works required a road closure at either end of the route from Northumberland Avenue to Strand via Villiers Street, the remaining section(s) were made two-way temporarily to provide access. In the event of works, consideration would also be given (out of necessity) to keep the road open at all times to allow access / egress for residents, businesses and works crew.
What if I need night-time access for safety reasons?
The PIN code for the Villiers Street barrier can be provided to residents that would feel safer if they were dropped off in Villiers Street at night, upon request.
How do I obtain a PIN code?
If you request a PIN from us (via VilliersStreet@wsp.com), Westminster City Council will review the request and either approve or decline it. If approved, the details you provide will be sent to Cloudpass.
Please do not share the PIN outside of your household/company.
If there is any mechanical issue with the barriers please use Report It (Report It | Westminster City Council) on the WCC website to report the problem and it will be actioned.
If there are any issues with the PIN please contact Cloudpass via:
- Email: hello@cloudpass.com
- Telephone: 0333 050 3085 (Monday to Friday - 9AM to 5PM)
- In writing: CloudPass House, Unit 15D Chichester Business Centre, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 2AU
For any other questions related to access, please contact Ask Highways: WCC via askhighways@westminster.gov.uk
What is a Vehicle As a Weapon (VAW) attack?
Further information on VAW attacks can be found at https://www.protectuk.police.uk/threat-risk/threat-analysis/terrorist-use-vehicle-weapon-vaw.
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Privacy
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Construction
The Villiers Street project has made the area more pedestrian friendly and improved the safety of the street. The scheme has improved the look and feel of what is a heavily used pedestrian space.
Works were carried out along the full length of Villiers Street, on John Adam Street between Buckingham Street and Villiers Street and Embankment Place. The works started on 9th May 2022 and finished in April 2024.