Fitzrovia is a central London district that borders the West End, just north of Soho. It is split between two boroughs – the City of Westminster and the London Borough of Camden. It is considered an upmarket area, and is home to some famous faces. It is a historically artistic and bohemian area, which has nurtured some of the UK’s best writing talent, including Virginia Woolf, Dylan Thomas and George Bernard Shaw.
Fitzrovia hosted over fifty individual commercial art galleries in 2015
Being on the edge of the West End, Fitzrovia benefits from easy access to all that it has to offer when it comes to retail and leisure, specifically the theatre and performing arts scene. Fitzrovia has a thriving art scene itself, and hosted over fifty individual commercial art galleries in 2015.
Fitzrovia isn’t characterised by any particular industry or activity, and its businesses range across a wide spectrum. It is considered popular by the fashion, media and advertising industries, with many large companies in these sectors having their headquarters within its boundaries. These types of businesses form about half of its output, the rest being widely divided amongst many others. Its buildings are a mixture of businesses and residential.
There is no shortage of workforce for the area, indeed The Fitzrovia Partnership’s 2014 economic study showed that 128,000 people work within half a mile of Fitzrovia. Property development is rife in the area, with old businesses and premises being redeveloped to house businesses and apartments, supported by retail and food outlets. The Fitzrovia Partnership supports local businesses and looks to improve life for residents through various initiatives including festivals, markets and decorative displays. It also runs ‘Enjoy Fitzrovia’ which has the aim of attracting visitors to the area.
There is a definite divide in Fitzrovia between the wealthy and the not-so well-off. Property prices and rents vary accordingly. At the lower end, Fitzrovia boasts some of Central London’s lowest rents at £714 a week according to Foxtons, whereas purchasing a house in the area costs an average of £1.4 million, still relatively low considering its central location. There is a strong community feel amongst the residents of the area, and a number of groups and organisations are dedicated to preserving both the community and the character of the area. These largely focus around the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Centre, which also houses the production of the Fitzrovia News.
As with most central London districts, Fitzrovia is well-served by London transport services, black cabs and cycle hire, colloquially known as Boris Bikes which are sponsored by Santander.
Expects roads to be busy. Congestion charge applies.
Euston, Paddington, Marylebone, King’s Cross and St Pancras mainline stations are close to Fitzrovia, with links throughout the UK and to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. The area is bound by Euston Road to the North and Oxford Street to the South. Both these roads have their own London Underground stations, with Euston also providing mainline train services.
There are bus services available from Oxford Circus Station, Euston Bus Station and Great Portland Street Station.
Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports are easily reached by London Underground and mainline train stations.