West End International Centre

The West End is one of the world’s most powerful urban economies where culture, hospitality, retail, entertainment and the night-time economy come together at scale. 

But while it already operates as one connected destination, it isn’t treated that way. There is no single boundary, no shared plan, and decisions are split across multiple organisations. 

That’s holding it back. 

That’s why we are calling for the whole of the West End to be formally recognised and designated as an International Centre.  

A shared approach that brings together strategy, investment and decision-making so the West End can succeed as a single, world-class destination.

Why does this matter?

The West End thrives on a mix of culture and commerce. But right now, businesses and investors face unnecessary barriers that make it harder to invest and innovate. And visitors and residents face congestion and accessibility challenges.

• Restrictive licensing decisions impacting innovation in the creative sector
• Delayed planning permissions causing unforeseen costs
• Much needed property development and works are being delayed
• Investors put off by slow bureaucratic processes, impacting public realm improvements
• Limited late-night amenities impacting the visitor experience 

Are there any global standards?

The West End is facing global competition. Leading world cities are increasingly adopting dedicated frameworks for their most important economic and cultural districts. 

From New York to Paris to Sydney, major international centres are being managed as distinct, high-priority ecosystems, with priority economic zones, clear governance and dedicated investment.  

Other entertainment districts aren’t waiting for permission to act. The West End shouldn’t either. 

What would the West End International Centre look like in practice?

Today, the West End faces complexity where clarity is needed, and fragmentation where coordination would unlock improvements. 

A West End International Centre would deliver:

A better public realm	A 24-hour economy that works	A more coherent policy environment	Stronger place coordination	Proportionate investment
Co-ordinated investment in safe, attractive, inclusive and high-quality streets and spaces that support dwell time, spending and experience.	Improved coordination across transport, servicing and night-time activity to support a thriving, accessible and safe evening economy.	Streamlined and modernised planning and licensing approaches that reflect the West End’s unique economic profile, enabling new experiences.	More aligned safety operations, congestion control and waste management across agencies, boroughs and partners.	A framework that better matches the West End’s economic importance to the UK economy with appropriate, sustained investment.

Resulting in:

• Clearer leadership and direction
• Faster, more co-ordinated decision-making
• Smarter use of funding and resources
• Stronger long-term management of the area

What’s next?

By embedding a new West End International Centre in the London Plan, the area can then establish a single, unified geography and economic growth plan.

It would align boroughs, BIDs, statutory agencies and partners around one shared framework, supported by a dedicated interdisciplinary coordination function.

To find out more, please contact Matt Simms: MattS@holba.london

Policy momentum