Mayor of London hails “momentous” occasion as Oxford Street pedestrianised
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has hailed a “momentous occasion for the capital” as London’s Oxford Street becomes permanently traffic-free for the first time.
A section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is now closed to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters, and pedicabs.
The first stage of the pedestrianisation project will see the introduction of a temporary ‘transitional scheme’ aimed at delivering some immediate improvements for visitors, while enabling public feedback to help refine the final designs for a traffic-free Oxford Street.
The new pedestrianisation and wider regeneration project aims to put Oxford Street back among top global shopping destinations including Times Square, the Champs-Élysées, and La Rambla.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “I’m hugely excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street coming to life from today. It is a truly momentous occasion for the capital. I encourage everyone to explore and enjoy the newly traffic-free street, as we create a new vibrant destination that welcomes Londoners and visitors from around the world.
“For centuries, Oxford Street has reinvented itself, adapting to changing times and helping shape British culture along the way. There has been talk of pedestrianising Oxford Street for decades. After so many false dawns, and now working with a Government who share the scale of my ambition, I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street.
“The transformation will turn the nation’s high street into a world-class pedestrian space, where flagship retailers will sit alongside new shops and workplaces – and we’ll bring exciting new experiences to the street, from sport to fashion and cultural events. Revitalising Oxford Street will boost jobs and economic growth in the capital, unlock the full potential of this key part of the West End, and help build a better, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”
The plans to pedestrianise the historic street were given final approval in February.
Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation has been hailed by a number of industry figures:
Dan Parr, senior vice president at CACI, and chair of Revo, said: “The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is a very welcome initiative that will make one of the most famous shopping streets in the world easier to enjoy. That can only be a good thing as it will ultimately increase footfall and spend for businesses in the area.
“Retail and leisure destinations need to make bold decisions like this to ensure they remain relevant and appealing to consumers in an age of almost limitless choice. By becoming traffic-free, Oxford Street has levelled the playing field with the other great locations in the capital, creating a better place and experience, and reprioritising the location as a ‘must have’ for brands on a global scale.
“That the various stakeholders have worked together so effectively to overcome some major challenges to make this happen is also to be applauded, and serves as a great example to high streets, towns and cities across the UK as to what is possible.”
Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company, added: “Today marks one of the most significant days in the history of Oxford Street – a road that dates as far back as the Roman era and has been a centre for commerce for over 200 years.
“The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street presents a major opportunity to transform the visitor experience and attract more people to the West End. As businesses enter the crucial Christmas trading period, the focus must now be on getting the delivery right and ensuring that Oxford Street thrives as the nation’s high street.
“West End businesses are deeply invested in the project’s success, and the priorities are clear – ensuring the street is safe, clean, accessible and welcoming, while getting the practical details right.
“New West End Company will continue to work closely with our members, the Oxford Street Development Corporation, the Mayor, Westminster City Council and Transport for London to help realise Oxford Street’s potential and ensure its transformation benefits the wider West End.”
However, the plans have previously drawn criticism from some campaigners and retailers, who have highlighted issues such as disabled access and difficulties with deliveries. In a statement released last year, Inclusion London said it was concerned that the proposals to pedestrianise the street “may create significant barriers to disabled Londoners to travel safely and independently”.