The aim is ‘to shape the future of Regent Street, Haymarket, and Piccadilly Circus public realm’ [WCC]

WIDER pavements and plenty more greenery are just two improvements suggested for Piccadilly Circus, a new report has revealed.

Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate, who own a swathe of land in the area, launched a competition this week to find a designer who will be given the job of transforming the world famous landmark.

The plans would see a radical rethink of the Circus, Haymarket and Regent Street.

The budget is £1.7million and ideas have to be lodged by early August. The final decision will be taken in September.

A Crown Estate spokesman said: “The ambition is to revitalise the areas as vibrant, inclusive, resilient and sustainable places that reflect the dynamism of one of London’s leading cultural and commercial districts.

“The selected design team will have the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on one of the world’s most celebrated urban landscapes.”

The brief adds they are seeking “…ambitious, innovative and solutions-focused” ideas that would deal with traffic and pedestrians as well as bringing in new eye-catching designs that greens the area and offers spaces for one-off happenings and events.

The Crown Estate and the city council have held a series of discussions over the past six months, bringing in a mix of shops, offices, theatres and transport experts to draw on views of how the area operates today and what additions could be made and included in the new designs.