Beauchamp Place Streetscape Improvements

For views on a series of interventions that would give the local community and visitors a high-quality space to enjoy and provide a pleasant setting for the vibrant collection of shops, restaurants and small businesses on Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge.

The proposals include widening the pavements, improving the street surface, introducing traffic calming measures and planting new trees. They have been developed by a stakeholder group made up of local businesses and residents to address current issues such as large volumes of traffic, uneven pavement and road surfaces, and street clutter.

We received 81 responses to the questionnaire. 60 per cent of respondents (49 responses) support or strongly support the proposals while 36 per cent (29 responses) oppose or strongly oppose the proposals. The responses are broken down below:

• Most comments supporting and strongly supporting the proposals are looking forward to the more attractive streetscape, more opportunity for al-fresco dining, better pavements and accessibility, and greening. Nevertheless, some supporters ask that loading bays are retained, that taxis have kerbside access for pick up and drop off, and better traffic management and parking enforcement.
• Most comments opposing and strongly opposing the proposals raise the impact on traffic and parking on neighbouring streets, particularly on Ovington Square. Some say that traffic in the area is already under pressure because of ongoing works on Sloane Street making Beauchamp Place a key alternative route. Respondents suggest that any changes should retain the current road width and traffic flow. They also worry that additional al-fresco dining may take up pedestrian space.
• To address these concerns, respondents opposing the proposals ask for more clarity over the impact on traffic and parking on neighbouring streets, the scope of interventions regarding road width, and measures to improved traffic management.

After considering the feedback, the project team have put forward the following measures to address concerns raised by consultees:

• Any loss of parking spaces will only be allowed if it does not significantly impact the area.
• Improvement works to Beauchamp Place, if allowed to be implemented, will not start until works on Sloane Street are completed and traffic is able to flow on both directions.
• The widening of the pavements will not impede upon traffic flow on Beauchamp Place or surrounding streets
• The pedestrian crossing will be a zebra crossing, rather than a light-controlled junction, in order to improve the flow of vehicles and traffic along the street, while allowing a pedestrian friendly environment.
• Loading bays and kerbside access for taxis will also be retained on Beauchamp Place.

Next steps

As of July 2024, we are commissioning detailed design of the proposals based on the consultation results.

Once the parking survey is complete, the project team will prepare a report to inform the decision to implement the project or not.

You can sign up for project updates by emailing the project team on GrowthandDeliveryTeam@rbkc.gov.uk