A Christmas ice-skating rink could be brought to the heart of the West End under plans being considered by Westminster City Council.
The festive skating rink would be placed in Hanover Square, between Oxford Street and Regent’s Street, and take place from November 4 to New Year’s Day. It would then repeat for two more years if approved.
The ‘Skate West End’ attraction would rival ice skating rinks at Somerset House and Hyde Park, and a percentage of ticket sales would raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Under the proposals by Underbelly, who also run the Underbelly Festival on the Southbank, a “unique” temporary elliptical rink would be constructed with a bar serving Christmas drinks at its centre.
It would be a short distance from Bond Street and Oxford Circus stations.
The company said it would be a “new and unique skating experience,” which would help draw tourists to the wider Oxford Street area and boost footfall.
The scheme has been backed by the West End Company, which said it would “enliven” the West End by diversifying its offering.
As part of the deal, GOSH staff, patients and families would get free tickets, which the hospital’s charity said would be “well received”.
However, the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum has raised concerns about the potential impact of noise on local residents and loss of public green space, according to council documents.
The plans, which are recommended for approval, will be decided by councillors on Tuesday. A separate application for a bar licence would also need to be approved.
It comes after a major modern art museum was given the green light for Oxford Street in a “huge vote of confidence in London and the West End” earlier this month.
Moco Museum will take over a sprawling 1920s building opposite Marble Arch for its third European gallery and feature prominent modern artists such as Banksy, Tracey Emin.
It is set to open in 2024.
