Plans for motorcycle parking as part of the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme remain unclear, despite a recent policy and scrutiny committee meeting that reviewed the project. The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, April 20, 2026, to discuss a call-in regarding the scheme, ultimately deciding to take no further action and allow the Cabinet Member's decision to proceed.
Concerns were raised during the meeting about various aspects of the £3 million scheme, including the relocation of motorcycle parking. Councillors sought clarity on potential locations, such as Formosa Street, which is already heavily utilized, and how the loss of existing parking spaces would be managed. The final location and provision of motorcycle parking is to be incorporated into the design for Traffic Management Order Consultation at Stage 3.
The committee reviewed the scheme's overall cost, materials, and its ability to address existing issues like fly-tipping and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour. To ensure current and future anti-social behaviour considerations are incorporated into the design, the scheme has been reviewed by the Designing Out Crime Unit from the Metropolitan Police. No substantial concerns have been raised on the proposed layout, sightlines, lighting or seating plans. Additionally, the Designing Out Crime Team has provided specific feedback in relation to the bench design, supporting the design's inclusion of armrests to deter rough sleeping. The Met Police will continue to be consulted with and inform detailed design throughout the next detailed design stage. In addition to the improvements to the area, the council will continue to work across teams to have a coordinated approach to deter further anti-social behaviour in the area, including using the existing CCTV.
While the scheme aims to rebalance the street in favour of pedestrians and cyclists, introduce greening, and improve refuse collection, specific details regarding motorcycle parking provision were a point of contention. The scheme aims to resolve persistent refuse and recycling challenges at the station gateway, improving day-to-day functionality, reducing clutter and visual blight, and creating a cleaner and more dignified public space. Servicing access and refuse collection arrangements will be confirmed and agreed with the relevant services prior to TMO consultation and construction.
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, presented the scheme, supported by senior officers. However, the committee's discussion highlighted a need for further information on operational matters, including the final location and provision of motorcycle parking, which is to be incorporated into the design for Traffic Management Order Consultation at Stage 3.
Despite the call-in, which aimed to halt the implementation of the decision for further review, the committee voted to take no further action, meaning the Cabinet Member's decision to proceed with the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme will be implemented. The meeting also saw declarations of interest from Councillors Lorraine Dean and Melvyn Caplan, as ward members for Little Venice, and Councillor Ralu Oteh-Osoka, due to her role on the Parochial Church Council of St Saviours Church, which is adjacent to the proposed scheme area. Further details on the scheme can be found in the Public reports pack.
