YOUR VISION FOR KNIGHTSBRIDGE
A luxury global destination that rebalances the needs of people and nature, invites people to spend time in its historic streets and places and invites visitors to return again and again.
WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY OUR MISSION
To realise the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of restoring Knightsbridge to its former glory, cementing its status as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations.
To actively increase the area’s residential and commercial property values, and commercial returns for property owners.
To significantly improve the public realm across Knightsbridge for the benefit of residents and increase domestic and international tourism to the area.
Working in partnership with the private and public sector to secure the £75 million investment to deliver the array of innovative and transformative projects within the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy.
Creating a platform, made possible by creation of a Property BID, for property owners to come together, realise a shared long-term vision and be an influential voice for Knightsbridge.
Elevating promotion of Knightsbridge as an International Centre on a London, national and global stage as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations to invest, live and visit.
FOREWORD
MICHAEL WARD Managing Director Harrods
STEVEN MEDWAY CEO
Partnership
Harrods is proud to be a member of the Knightsbridge Partnership, and welcomes the vital role it is playing to harness a once in a generation opportunity to help Knightsbridge compete on a global stage.
Every year, Harrods welcomes 12 million visitors to our Knightsbridge department store. We are acutely aware that customers, including international visitors, have a wide number of options when it comes to destinations they can choose to visit.
The Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy will significantly increase the attractiveness, environmental and social credentials of the district, ensuring visitors receive a standout welcome and enhanced experience of Knightsbridge.
By working in partnership with the private and public sector, £75m investment can be secured to deliver the array of innovative and transformational projects within the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy.
I’m delighted to share with you the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy, and invite you to join us on this journey to drive transformational change for the district.
Knightsbridge is one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, welcoming over 75 million visitors a year from across the globe.
Yet, in recent decades Knightsbridge has lost its way, leading to a deterioration of the public realm and retail offer. This, coupled with the removal of tax-free shopping in 2020 and decreased tourism to London, has harmed Knightsbridge’s competitiveness as a destination on a European stage.
Your support will enable momentum behind the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy to become a catalyst for transformational and long-term change across the district which, when complete, will enable Knightsbridge once again to truly compete internationally as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations.
Knightsbridge
PLACE AND PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY
In collaboration with the Property Steering Group, Knightsbridge Partnership has developed a much needed and ambitious Place and Public Realm Strategy for the Knightsbridge area. This project was funded by the area’s property owners, Berkeley Estate Asset Management, Cadogan, South Kensington Estate, APML Estate, The Knightsbridge Estate and Harrods Estates and is overseen by a steering group consisting of Transport for London, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster City Council, 199 Knightsbridge, leading property owners and key businesses in the Knightsbridge area.
The Knightsbridge area is an International Centre, which attracts 75 million visitors a year. However, until the creation of the Knightsbridge Partnership, responsibility for the Knightsbridge area, particularly its roads and public spaces, was fragmented across three highway authorities. This resulted in a neglected and unsafe public realm and no single organisation was able to coordinate the much-needed change, inevitably resulting in the area’s decline. Consequently, Knightsbridge has been losing ground to other luxury destinations globally and so needed to galvanise a partnership to restore the global status of Knightsbridge as the number one home for luxury in the world.
Our Place and Public Realm Vision for Knightsbridge is a global destination that rebalances the needs of people and nature, invites people to spend time in its historic streets and places and invites people to return again and again.
To deliver this Vision, the Knightsbridge Partnership has developed a five-stranded integrated Place and Public Realm Strategy which consists of:
A flagship transformational public realm scheme for Knightsbridge & Brompton Road.
A family of neighbourhood public realm projects to make Knightsbridge an even more enjoyable, safe and sustainable place to live, work or visit.
Placemaking plans to make Knightsbridge a unique and special place to visit, including encouraging an evening economy, developing a ‘Knightsbridge welcome’ for all visitors and amplifying the area’s wellness and health offer.
Integrated cross-agency plans to ensure the area’s footways and public spaces are maintained to a high standard and a new, integrated approach to safety and crime reduction is delivered.
An investment case, which shows the public benefits in terms of better physical and mental health, more cycling and walking and improved air quality; and the economic benefits including an increase in GVA and property values, more jobs and business opportunities for London and delivering inclusive growth for all.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE TODAY
Knightsbridge is celebrated as one of the finest luxury shopping destinations in the world. It is also a place that many people call home.
Our benchmarking of Knightsbridge against other luxury destinations indicates the appeal of its rich and historic fabric, extraordinary wealth of architecture, and histories and stories. However, its public realm needs to be transformed in order for Knightsbridge to thrive as a luxury destination and as a place to live.
Knightsbridge is designated by the Mayor of London as one of the city’s two International Centres. In the face of strong international competition for tourists, high-net-worth shoppers, and inward investment, the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy will enable the area to compete globally.
Discover how Knightsbridge compares with other leading international luxury destinations.
THE VISION FOR KNIGHTSBRIDGE
The vision for Knightsbridge is ambitious, a luxury global destination that rebalances the needs of people and nature, inviting people to spend time in its historic streets and places and to return again and again.
Knightsbridge is one of the jewels in London’s real estate crown – supporting our role as a global city, employing thousands of people and attracting visitors from across the world. Knightsbridge Partnership does vital work to support the area.
Their Healthy Streets proposal will help ensure a thriving future, providing Londoners including local residents with a better, safer and cleaner environment, new jobs and new business opportunities, as we work towards a fairer London for everyone.
Howard Dawber OBE Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth
CO-CREATION AND ENGAGEMENT
The Place and Public Realm Strategy for Knightsbridge was co-created in collaboration with residents, representatives from community groups, local property owners, businesses, Transport for London, Westminster City Council and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council.
A range of engagement activities were undertaken, including an online survey available in nine languages, a drop-in session, walking tours, a focus group for UAE Emirati women, community meetings, presentations to community groups, and three co-design workshops.
The top priority to improve Knightsbridge, suggested by almost half of all respondents, was adding gardens and other green spaces, and planting trees. Improvements to the pedestrian environment were the next highest priorities: increasing footway widths, repairing pavements, and removing street clutter.
THE FIVE STRAND STRATEGY
As other luxury global destinations and centres compete for Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) and aspirational markets, Knightsbridge needs to remain the international home of luxury and synonymous with an experience that feels special and varied, a distinct area linked together by its streets and public spaces.
THE PLACE AND PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY IS EVIDENCE-BASED AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY, WITH FIVE INTEGRATED STRANDS
1. Flagship public realm scheme for Knightsbridge and Brompton Road
The mile long project will deliver a transformed Brompton Road and Knightsbridge, with widened and de-cluttered pavements and priority crossings. It will feel both exclusive yet accessible and welcoming to everyone. The proposals will also ensure traffic flows on Brompton Road are well managed and residential roads remain quiet streets protected from rat-running traffic
2. A family of neighbourhood public realm projects
These projects will protect and enhance many of the characterful streets off Brompton Road, providing spaces to dwell with new trees and planting
3. Placemaking to curate the Knightsbridge offer and visitor experience
This will include elevating the Knightsbridge visitor experience, enhancing the luxury wellness offer, unifying the evening economy, and implementing a digital and physical wayfinding strategy
4. Strategic and proactive place management
This harnesses new technologies to ensure the highest standards of cleansing, safety, green space and ecology management, and commercial vehicle management
5. The case for investment and funding strategy
Independent economists developed a compelling investment case, indicating that the public realm improvements will deliver significant returns for investors. The forecasted benefits are summarised in the next pages
THE PUBLIC REALM PROPOSALS WILL TRANSFORM BROMPTON ROAD, KNIGHTSBRIDGE
They will
Restore Knightsbridge to its premier status as a world leading luxury destination and as an outstanding place to visit, live, work and invest
Deliver a thriving Knightsbridge day and evening economy which also provides growth opportunities for the London and UK economies
Create Healthy Streets which support cycling and walking and increase biodiversity, the TfL Healthy Streets assessment score increases from 49 to 77 points
Reduce congestion through Knightsbridge and make it easier to visit Knightsbridge due to more spaces for taxis and private vehicle drop-off
Celebrate, protect and enhance the Knightsbridge area’s unique character and heritage
Attract people to spend time in its historic streets and places and invite people to return again and again
Contribute to improving local air quality
Contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation
Create a safe and welcoming place for all
“
APML is proud to play a leading role within the Place Strategy Steering Group, working alongside the Knightsbridge Partnership, major property owners, businesses, and public sector stakeholders to shape a bold vision for the future of Knightsbridge. By championing transformative improvements to the district’s place and public realm, we are helping build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable destination.
Together, we are safeguarding Knightsbridge’s position as one of the world’s premier international districts, ensuring it continues to thrive and meet the needs of communities, businesses, and visitors for the next 100 years and beyond.
MIKE SADLER Director, APML Estate
The Knightsbridge Partnership provides a strong and effective collective voice for businesses and plays a central role in shaping the future of Knightsbridge. Through the development of the Place and Public Realm Strategy, the Partnership has taken a holistic view of the district, considering how best to enhance the experience for visitors, employees, and residents alike.
Their co-design approach brings together businesses, the Council, and all those with a vested interest in Knightsbridge, helping to align partners around a shared vision and common purpose. This collaborative leadership is vital in driving meaningful, long-term improvements to one of the borough’s most important destinations.
COUNCILLOR ELIZABETH CAMPBELL
Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
As one of only two International Centres in London and uniquely positioned within Westminster, Knightsbridge presents a rare opportunity to create a destination that reflects its global significance. This transformational scheme will elevate the area to meet the expectations of international visitors while delivering a place that residents can take genuine pride in. At the same time, it will strengthen the resilience of the transport network and help prepare the area for the challenges of a changing climate.
COUNCILLOR PAUL SWADDLE
Leader, Westminster City Council
A SHARED INVESTMENT IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE’S FUTURE
The successful delivery of the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy will be driven by a partnership between the public and private sectors, with investment from both playing a pivotal role in shaping the district’s future transformation.
Berkeley Estate Asset Management is making a significant investment in the future of Knightsbridge through the redevelopment of 1 Knightsbridge Green, creating best-in-class office, retail, and leisure space in one of London’s most prestigious destinations. However, truly exceptional places are not defined by individual buildings alone.
By collaborating to enhance the public realm and wider district, property owners can help shape a destination that meets global expectations, attracts investment, supports business growth, and delivers memorable experiences for visitors. Together, we can create a thriving environment that strengthens Knightsbridge’s position as a premier international destination.
CLIFTON
Head of Asset Management, Berkeley Estate Asset Management
The costs outlined in the table above include a contingency allowance in accordance with Transport for London requirements.
To date, £1.2 million has been invested by public and private sector partners to advance the strategy through to RIBA Stage 3. As the project progresses into the next phases, a broader and more substantial programme of investment will be essential to realise the vision in full and deliver the exceptional quality, innovation, and public realm standards that Knightsbridge demands and deserves.
What stands out most about this strategy is its ambition. Knightsbridge is home to world-class retail, thriving businesses, and some of London’s most iconic destinations, yet the public realm has not always reflected that quality. This strategy sets out a bold vision to change that. Delivering meaningful improvements on this scale won’t be easy—it requires strong collaboration between Transport for London, local authorities, businesses, and community partners. That’s why this partnership is so important. It’s an excellent start, and I look forward to seeing this vision become a reality.
ALEX WILLIAMS
Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Transport for London
BENEFITS OF THE STRATEGY FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Increased rental values and asset values
Celebrates, protects and enhances Knightsbridge’s unique character and heritage
Introduction of four new crossings
Improvements to the way people can reach your tenants’ businesses
Reduced congestion
Quicker car journeys
Improved pedestrian flows across the district
Contribute to improved local air quality
Consolidated loading plan Enhanced CCTV across the district
STUART
DELIVERING HEALTHY STREETS
The Place and Public Realm strategy will revitalise streets in Knightsbridge, supporting the Mayor of London’s goal for 80% of journeys to be on foot, bike or public transport by 2040, raising the healthy street score from 49 to 77. The strategy aligns with local sustainable transport, climate, and air quality goals.
Funding will combine capital investment and revenue streams to maintain high public realm standards. Public-private partnerships will drive economic growth, create jobs and enhance Knightsbridge’s global status.
An estimated £75 million of investment is required for the public realm improvements for Knightsbridge and Brompton Road, including the eleven neighbourhoods project.
YEOMAN’S
MONTPELIER STREET
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
An independent team of economists has developed a compelling investment case, which indicates the public realm improvements will deliver significant social benefits and return on investment.
PRIVATE SECTOR IMPACTS
Footfall
Increase of up to 4.3m visitors a year, which equates to up to an additional 43m in footfall over a 10-year period.
Additional Spending
Up to £2.8bn in additional spending over 10 years, which is a 16% increase vs the baseline.
Office Rental Income1
Cumulative net present value increase of £4m to £8m over 20 years.
Residential Property Values1
Increase of at least £19m in the value of adjacent residential properties.
Retail and Leisure Property Value
Net increase of £270m to £500m (3.3% to 6.2% increase vs. baseline).
Retail Rental Income
Cumulative net present value increase of £8m to £18m over 20 years.
Office Property Value
Net increase of £25m to £47m (2.7% to 5.0% increase vs. the baseline).
PUBLIC SECTOR BENEFITS
Social Value2
£3m in social value benefits through unemployment and crime reduction, and public realm amenity benefits.
Business Rates Income
£8m to £18m cumulative net present value over 20 years.
Trees
Will deliver £900,000 value in terms of environmental benefits.
Gross Value Added (GVA)
£75m during construction, and £41m to £106m per annum following construction of the project.
Employment
Up to 950 permanent on-site and supply chain additional jobs in retail, leisure, and food & beverage sectors for London residents.
Temporary Jobs
400 temporary on-site and off-site supply chain job opportunities for London residents during construction.
Photography by Rory Langdon-Down
As custodians of the area, we are committed to ensuring Knightsbridge’s resilience for the next 100 years and invite you to join us on this journey.
Get in touch to find out how the Knightsbridge Place and Public Realm Strategy can support and increase the value of your asset.
STEVEN MEDWAY
Chief Executive Officer
steven@knightsbridgepartnership.com
Project Director
REBECCA HANDLEY
Director of Place and Environment
rebecca@knightsbridgepartnership.com
Director of Marketing and Communications
katie@knightsbridgepartnership.com
www.reimaginingknightsbridge.com
KATIE BLAKE
DAN JOHNSON
