Strategic Context

The commercial success of the district has positive knock-on effect for neighbouring shopping streets, nearby museums and cultural centres and, of course, residents. But a district with elements of declining commercial activity, deteriorating public realm, and management problems that result in streets that feel unclean, unsafe and with increasing anti-social behaviour becomes a less attractive place in which to live, visit and work.

Beyond the major stores the area does not have the look and feel of a world class district. It is unlikely that visitors to the major stores will spend significant time in the surrounding areas. This is damaging to the long-term viability of the area and, if not addressed, the International Centre may find its attractiveness to visitors and investors falling behind its national and international competitors.

More locally the opening of the Elizabeth Line stations in the West End in 2022, together with associated multi-million pound traffic reduction and public realm improvements schemes, will set a higher level of customer expectation to which the Brompton Road and Knightsbridge International Centre must respond if it is to continue to attract domestic and international visitors and investment.

With COVID-19 potentially changing the way people want to work, the office element of the area is clearly a key part of the district’s transformation. An office sector that appeals to businesses attracted to an international Centre provides economic activity and vitality that complements and supports the visitor economy. If the district fails to support the aspirations and demands of its target office market it will lose out to competitor locations.

In short, at a time when Knightsbridge and the Brompton Road cannot afford to stand still, the current lack of a coordinated vision and plan for the district risks its continued deterioration to the detriment of its property owners, businesses and residents.