The cost of Westminster City Council's Warwick Avenue public realm scheme has risen to £3 million, a significant increase from previous estimates. The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee reviewed a call-in regarding the scheme on Monday, April 20, 2026, ultimately deciding to take no further action and allow the Cabinet Member's decision to proceed.
Concerns were raised by councillors about the escalating cost, with comparisons made to 2019 figures. The committee questioned the justification for the £3 million expenditure, particularly the contribution of Yorkstone paving to material costs and its compatibility with existing materials. Councillors sought clarity on the breakdown of the £3 million, with officers attributing the increase to inflation, rising material costs, and project delays since the initial scheme was costed.
The scheme aims to address long-standing safety, accessibility, and environmental issues in the Warwick Avenue area, including reducing conflict between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, resolving refuse and recycling challenges, and introducing new green spaces and sustainable drainage systems. It also seeks to improve lighting, materials, and overall streetscape quality.
However, councillors also voiced concerns about potential unintended consequences. These included the scheme's ability to tackle issues like fly-tipping, the safety of proposed cycling measures at a narrow junction, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour due to additional seating. The committee also questioned the sufficiency of CCTV presence to deter such behaviour.
Regarding the proposed cycling and pedestrian measures at the Warrington Crescent/Clifton Gardens junction, the design aims to simplify and enhance safety within existing spatial constraints. This approach is intended to directly address factors contributing to past collisions. A road safety audit resulted in a simplified junction design, adhering to Department for Transport (DfT) standards for safe cycle design. This is expected to reduce vehicle speeds, discourage overtaking, and promote more predictable driver behaviour. A final design will be confirmed at the detailed design stage. Alternative designs considered were not specified.
Discussions also covered the relocation of motorcycle parking, servicing access for vehicles including refuse trucks, and the community engagement process. While the council stated that over 670 responses had been received through various consultation rounds, some members questioned the timing and impact of these consultations.
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, defended the scheme, supported by senior officers Richie Gibson, Director of Culture and Place Shaping, and Veronica Pinto, Head of Place Shaping. The committee ultimately voted to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet Member's decision to be implemented. Councillors Lorraine Dean and Melvyn Caplan declared interests as ward members for Little Venice, the area where the scheme is located, and Councillor Ralu Oteh-Osoka declared an interest as a member of the Parochial Church Council of St Saviours Church, adjacent to the proposed scheme area.
More information can be found in the Public reports pack.
