Oxford Street pedestrianisation: car-free plan to make world-leading shopping space takes major step forward

The consultation, which opened today (February 28), will also include plans for a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The public has until May 2 to have their say in the first major step towards the potential pedestrianisation plan. City Hall said the plans were a chance to breathe new life into the UK’s most lucrative high street. Revisions to the plan include reducing the size of the MDC and a commitment from the Mayor to provide upfront cash for an upgrade to a specific stretch of the famous street.

Oxford Street is seen as an area of critical importance for the country’s economy and is estimated to have brought in £25bn to London’s economy in 2022. Sir Sadiq Khan has promised to work with government, businesses and local councils on plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and turn it into what City Hall described as a ‘world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events’.

The Mayor’s proposal also includes creating an MDC, which would give the body its own planning powers and be able to overrule Westminster City Council, which currently manages Oxford Street. The body would consist of at least one elected representative and businesses from each of the local authorities that fall within its boundaries.

Westminster City Council is tipped to be given three seats. The Mayor said: “Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.

“These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth. I encourage everyone to have their say on these proposals, which would transform 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.”

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Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of the New West End Company, a business partnership, said the announcement was an ‘important step’ towards improving Oxford Street. She said: “We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the UK economy.

“With significant private sector investment already driving change, Oxford Street is evolving. It has always been a much-loved destination, attracting Londoners and visitors from around the world. It’s a place where retail, leisure, and culture come together, and with growing demand for high-quality office space, its role as a vibrant commercial hub continues to expand.”

But Tim Barnes, a Conservative West End councillor in Westminster City, said the Mayor should focus on London’s existing issues rather than starting fresh projects. He said: “It’s well known he is already planning to do whatever he wants, regardless of what people say. He never listens and is already spending huge sums of money on his pet project. There is a democratic deficit here.

“No one doubts you could make Oxford Street look better but there’s nothing to suggest the Mayor knows how to fix the knock-on problems his plans will land us with. He should concentrate on tackling the crime and public order issues he is already responsible for, and failing to solve, before taking on new challenges.”

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Westminster City Council said the Mayor has committed to an upfront investment for the strip between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road but it did not specify an amount. The council also confirmed the boundary of the MDC has reduced to one block either side of the popular high street.

The council remains responsible for all services outside of the boundary area and said the Mayor has committed, under any future plans to pedestrianise, to consult on allowing north/south access for taxis. City Hall will also prioritise the introduction of electric buses for displaced routes and consolidate freight.

The local authority said the Mayor has agreed, in principle, to a mechanism that will allow Westminster City Council to retain development funds collected in the area. This can relate to strategic infrastructure, carbon offset, employment and skills and affordable housing.

The council said is still believes an MDC is not necessary to drive through the change City Hall is seeking. It said it is working to ensure these commitments are recognised in legally binding agreements.

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Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster Council, said: “Subject to the outcome of the Mayor’s consultation, our role is to ensure that the Mayor’s proposed Oxford Street Transformation delivers for local communities, as well as for London.

“We have already fought hard to secure numerous improvements from the Mayor of London to ensure that any plans for Oxford Street are deliverable and meet the needs of local residents, businesses, and wider London. We seek to work pragmatically with the Mayor’s team to ensure a bright future for the nation’s high street as well as for our residential communities and businesses.”

In September, Westminster City Council Leader, Councillor Adam Hug, wrote to Sadiq Khan and the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, voicing concerns over the Mayor’s plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street which was announced on September 17.

In December, Westminster City Council confirm its own £90m regeneration of Oxford Street was no longer going ahead. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the local authority has already spent £22m on the project, which would have allowed traffic to flow down Oxford Street, so far.

The council will reallocate £70m of capital expenditure intended for the project towards works in Warwick Avenue, Paddington Green and along the Grand Union canal, £2m on extra CCTV cameras throughout the city and £3m on measures to prevent surface water flooding.

To take part in the consultation go to www.london.gov.uk/your-oxford-street