Plans to pedestrianise a section of Oxford Street in London have been unveiled by Mayor Sadiq Khan. He emphasized the need for “urgent action” to revitalize the iconic shopping destination, which has been hit hard by the rise of online shopping and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Oxford Street was once the crown jewel of Britain’s retail industry, but there’s no denying its significant decline over the past decade,” Khan remarked.
The proposal aims to pedestrianise a 0.7-mile (1.1km) stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with possible further expansions toward Tottenham Court Road. The initiative, previously blocked by the former Conservative-led Westminster City Council due to local opposition, now has the support of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. She praised the plan, stating it would create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and provide a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.
However, the project requires approval from Rayner, who, as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, must grant Khan the authority to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation. This body would provide the mayor with planning powers, enabling him to bypass the council. The project is estimated to cost around £150 million, with City Hall expecting local businesses, private investors, and new revenue streams to cover the expenses.
The now Labour-led Westminster City Council, which oversees Oxford Street, expressed surprise at the announcement, stating they only received details on Thursday. Nonetheless, the council pledged to “work constructively” with the mayor. Westminster’s chief executive, Stuart Love, acknowledged the “practical challenges” of pedestrianisation and called for more clarity on the timeline and plans to address residents’ concerns.
The council had already developed a £90 million scheme, half-funded by landowners, which focused on widening footways and reducing congestion while maintaining essential bus access. They argue that bus services are vital for shoppers, workers, the elderly, disabled individuals, and those on low incomes.
Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world, attracts around half a million visitors daily. In recent years, major retailers like Topshop, House of Fraser, and Debenhams have left, with pressures from the pandemic, hybrid working, and the influx of US-themed candy stores contributing to its struggles. However, a recent report by the New West End Company indicated that foot traffic has improved, thanks to the Elizabeth Line, and new flagship stores such as Ikea and HMV have opened.
