Sadiq Khan to press ahead with Oxford Street pedestrianisation
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced that he will move ahead with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.
This follows an extensive public consultation which attracted over 6,000 responses and found that almost seven in 10 respondents backed the proposals.
Some major businesses have also welcomed the plans, including Selfridges, John Lewis, and Ikea.
The proposals were first announced last year, and outlined the pedestrianisation of the almost mile-long stretch of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus up to Great Portland Street.
The mayor will now also progress with steps to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to regenerating the area with the objective of making Oxford Street a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events.
Subject to consideration by the London Assembly, the mayor will work with the government to create the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by the beginning of 2026.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: “Oxford Street has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life. It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
“We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.
“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
The deputy prime minister Angela Rayner added: “We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that’s why we welcome the mayor of London’s bold proposals to achieve that.
“We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.”