A large mound of soil is to be piled up next to Marble Arch to create an artificial hill and viewing platform for the area, looking out over Hyde Park. It’s part of plans to attract people back to Oxford Street, when the lockdown is relaxed, hopefully by Easter.
Westminster Council / MVRDV
Subject to attaining planning approval, the temporary Marble Arch Mound will include a walking path around the sides to a viewing platform at the top, along with some form of exhibition space in the base. It has been estimated by Westminster Council that the 25m high attraction could be enjoyed by up to 200,000 people whilst it is operational, subject to whatever Covid restrictions remain at the time.
Work is expected to start on the construction of the mound in the next few weeks. After it has served its purpose, the trees and landscape will be relocated to other parts of the district and local community.
Westminster Council / MVRDV
The Marble Arch hill is part of a wider plan for the entire length of Oxford Street, and work will also begin within weeks on a proposed range of interim improvements on Oxford Street to deliver wider pedestrian spaces and more greenery planting along the street, along with new lighting.
Trial installations would be modular in design to enable them to be moved when necessary, once footfall increases on Oxford Street.
Westminster should commit to the full pedestrianisation of Oxford Street that they’ve blocked repeatedly. Remove the pollution and the awkward road crossings, and provide much more room for the crowds.
This is the only thing that would make me consider shopping there ever again.
Wow, looks terrible in that picture anyway but I guess its better to build a hill than to lose face as a council and have the Mayor make Oxford st vehicle free.
What a load of rubbish. Build an artificial hill to entice people back to Oxford Street. Just open the shops and forghet about this stupid hill. Where does the money come from to build this eyesore. What idiot thought it up. I hope the Westminster council are not taken in by this monstrosity.. better spend the money on more seats and benches for weary shoppers.
I for one like mud and welcome the long overdue introduction of a grassy knoll in the West End. Well done Westminster!
If the rear side of the ‘hill’ is high enough to jump off it’ll likely end up getting shut down, like this public art project, “Vessel”, in New York:
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/heatherwick-s-vessel-closed-to-the-public-after-third-suicide-in-less-than-a-year