It’s been confirmed that one of London’s most iconic streets is set to become the next to get the traffic-free treatment, as the Mayor of London has announced that his big plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street are officially being put in motion, following a successful public consultation.
Over 6,600 local businesses, councils and residents responded to the recent consultation regarding the plans to fully pedestrianise a 0.7 mile stretch of Oxford Street that were revealed last year. Almost 7 in 10 respondents expressed support of the Mayor’s general regeneration plans. And 63% were specifically in favour of the proposed pedestrianisation. Selfridges, John Lewis, and the newly-opened IKEA were among the businesses who were in favour of these car-free changes.
What are the pedestrianisation plans for Oxford Street?
The plans involve the 1.1km stretch of Oxford Street that runs between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street being completely closed to vehicles. This is in a bid to improve the visitor experience, attract more shoppers, and therefore boost economic growth. Oxford Street is an ‘area of critical national importance’ and contributes a rather hefty £25 billion to London’s economy each year. It’s suffered over the years due to – well, you know – a global pandemic and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis (among other things), but Sadiq Khan believes that this regeneration could breathe a new life into the central London shopping spot.
Sadiq Khan has revealed that the next steps will be City Hall setting up a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) by the start of 2026 to get the transformation plans fully up-and-running. The MDC will work with local businesses and residents to develop and deliver the vehicle-free vision. Khan believes that making this particular section of Oxford Street pedestrian-friendly will allow for exciting events and activities to take place, al-fresco dining spots to open, and the area’s assets to be fully showcased.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, 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.”
You can read the latest update on the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans here.