A £46 million makeover of west London luxury boulevard Sloane Street to slow traffic and make it more pedestrian friendly is completed today after two years of work.
The 1km-long route linking Knightsbridge with Sloane Square is lined with some of the world’s best known luxury brands but was dominated by fast moving and intimidating cars and trucks.
The improvement scheme, funded by aristocratic landlords Cadogan working in partnership with Kensington & Chelsea council, widens the pavement by almost 25% on the eastern side, adds new plantings designed by Chelsea flower show multiple gold medal winner Andy Sturgeon, including around 100 trees and granite planters that double up as ”anti ram-raiding” obstacles, softer and more energy efficient lighting, and new street furniture.
Traffic calming measures include raised “tables” at side-streets, engraved wayfinding stones and increased crossing points.
The final paving stone is laid today by Lord Cadogan and Elizabeth Campbell, Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, in a completion ceremony. A seam of honey coloured York stone was used for the paving.
Cadogan chief executive Hugh Seaborn said the new upgraded environment for pedestrians “complements the luxury fashion houses on Sloane Street by making it more in keeping with the theatre of entering and leaving these stores.
He added: “This project marks a new era for Sloane Street, enhancing its elegance and timeless appeal as the epitome of a luxury destination that is equally ‘global yet local’ and will entice new visitors, while enriching the experience for the local community.”
The two-year programme of works brought lengthy disruption to the street but Seaborn said affected retailers had been helped by support from the landlord.
None had moved out and new arrivals include luxury design and fragrance brand L’Objet and cult Australian fashion label Zimmerman, which is due to open a store in Spring,
Cllr Campbell said: “As we aim to make and keep our borough’s streets the best in London, the new and improved Sloane Street is the standout example in our amazing spaces programme. This corner of Chelsea has always been very special – with a shopping experience to rival Paris and New York. Now it is even better, with spacious pavements and beautiful greenery creating a street that makes you want to stick around and enjoy the area.”
John McAslan, chair of the scheme’s masterplanners John McAslan + Partners, said: “Transforming this iconic street has been an exhilarating urban design endeavour. Sloane Street’s generous width and architectural asymmetry allowed us to craft a grand boulevard with a dynamic, people-centric vision. Blending contextual sensitivity with bold creativity, we have enhanced well-being, increased dwell time, strengthened security, and eased traffic impact.
“Green infrastructure and a horticulturally driven design enrich biodiversity and ensure a lasting environmental legacy. The result is a dramatically elevated public realm - offering residents, visitors, and businesses an exceptional experience, now rivalling the grandeur of Avenue Montaigne in Paris and Via Condotti in Rome”.
Sloane Street was originally laid out to plans by architect Henry Holland in 1777.
