Step Into the Future: Transforming Oxford Street
Founding Director Lucy Musgrave joined Step Into the Future: Transforming Oxford Street, hearing OSDC Chief Executive Nabeel Khan present his vision before joining him on a panel with James Raynor, Chief Executive of Grosvenor Property, chaired by Professor Sadie Morgan OBE, Senior Advisor at the NLA.
Their conversation explored the ambition for a greener, more accessible, and well-connected Oxford Street that brings residents and workers and communities together with retail, tourism and culture to create an extraordinary everyday experience for everyone, delivered with creativity and civic dignity.
The panel discussed OSDC’s remarkable opportunity to address the mix of land uses, design for evening and night time, and set new standards of best practice for inclusion. Panellists drew on lessons from Publica’s major public realm schemes at Bond Street, Hanover Square, North Audley Street, Marylebone Lane and looked ahead to our work with The Portman Estate at Marble Arch. As James Raynor eloquently summarised, all of this rests on strong partnership, a principle-led approach and long-term investment.
Publica’s current work with OSDC includes leading the women’s night safety audits for Oxford Street. Our specialist associate Satu Streatfield's lighting design is prioritising civic amenity, culture, and character for urban change.
The launch of OSDC under Nabeel Khan’s leadership signals the start of a once-in-a-generation transformation for this iconic district. Publica is proud to play an ongoing role in shaping its future.
Connecting the City: Creating a More Walkable Square Mile
Director Anna Mansfield chaired Connecting the City: Creating a More Walkable Square Mile, guiding a wide-ranging panel discussion on the future of the City's streets and spaces and how they are being redesigned for a decade of growth – accommodating movement, and crucially, life and enjoyment.
Anna heard from a range of expert perspectives: planning, with the City's Planning and Development Director Gwyn Richards; development, with Fred Drabble from Shaw Corporation; design, with Benjamin Koslowski from Fletcher Priest Architects; and spatial research and strategy, with Anna Rose from Space Syntax.
The panel discussed the City's aspirations for the future; how people experience and use urban places, and the relationship to new development; the block sizes, permeability and diverse characters needed for a truly connected network and the opportunities – along with negotiations and trade-offs required – to open up new spaces within emerging developments.
