Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan will press ahead with landmark plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, following overwhelming public and business support revealed in a new consultation published today.
Almost seven in 10 respondents backed proposals to revitalise the capital’s most iconic shopping street, with two-thirds specifically supporting the pedestrianisation of the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
The scheme forms a central pillar of City Hall’s wider strategy to boost retail, tourism and economic growth for London and the wider UK.
Oxford Street currently contributes an estimated £25 billion annually to London’s economy but has faced prolonged challenges, from the pandemic to the rise of online retail.
PEDESTRIAN-FIRST
In response, the Mayor’s proposals aim to reimagine the street as a pedestrian-first, world-class destination for shopping, leisure and hospitality.
Major retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis and Ikea have endorsed the plan.
John Lewis managing director Peter Ruis says pedestrianisation would “enhance the area’s appeal as a top retail destination,” while Selfridges executive director Meave Wall described the move as “hugely energising” for the local business community.
Ikea UK CEO Peter Jelkeby called it a “positive step” that would benefit shoppers and the wider community.
City Hall will now begin detailed work on traffic and highways proposals, with a consultation expected later this year.
LONG-TERM REGENERATION
A new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), subject to London Assembly approval and legislation, is expected to be in place by January 2026 to oversee the long-term regeneration of the area.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner welcomed the proposals as part of a broader plan to “breathe new life into Oxford Street,” while Cllr Richard Olszewski of Camden Council said the plans would deliver “benefits to the economy, air quality, health and wellbeing.”
Business groups also gave their support.
Dee Corsi, CEO of New West End Company, said the plans marked “an important step forward,” while the London Chamber of Commerce’s Karim Fatehi OBE added: “Oxford Street is a vital economic, social and cultural asset for both London and the UK.”
Mayor Khan (main picture) says: “It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans. This is about creating a space the whole country can be proud of, while driving growth, investment and jobs for decades to come.”
