A plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street has been revealed by Sadiq Khan. The Mayor of London says he wants to turn the road into a ‘traffic-free avenue’ and a ‘beautiful public space’.
Officials say Oxford Street is in need of ‘major regeneration’, in the face of competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres, the closure of flagship department stores, and the prevalence of ‘candy stores’. These have ‘put significant strain on Oxford Street’s attractiveness’, while tourism numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic, City Hall says.
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The road between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch – 0.7 miles – will be covered by the plans announced today. More changes towards Tottenham Court Road could be planned in future.
It adds: “The Mayor believes his proposals would turn Oxford Street into a more attractive and thriving modern retail and leisure destination attracting more tourists, increasing footfall and spending.
“It’s likely this would generate additional economic activity and increased tax revenue, as well as boosting London’s night-time economy, meaning that it can once again compete with other international high street destinations, such as Times Square in New York, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris and Las Ramblas in Barcelona.”
Beyond banning traffic from the area, it is not clear what precisely the plans would entail.
Mr Khan’s team says that he has ‘previously tried to implement major changes’ to Oxford Street, but was ‘blocked from implementing his plans’ by Conservative-run Westminster Council in 2018.
The Greater London Authority said: “Now, with the new Government taking a partnership approach to working with cities and Mayors, there is agreement to work together with a view to unlocking Oxford Street’s full potential for the benefit of London and other parts of the UK.
“The proposals would deliver a much-improved experience for shoppers, residents, workers and tourists visiting Oxford Street and the surrounding area, returning this part of the capital to its former glory.”
The plans require Mr Khan to receive permission from Angela Rayner as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would have greater planning powers. This would be subject to a consultation.
At least one elected representative of each London council that falls within the boundaries of the new area will sit on the board on the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation with local businesses.
The project is expected to cost around £150 million, with City Hall officials hoping it could be paid for by a combination of local businesses, new revenue streams and private funders, reports PA.
Restrictions already in place mean between 7am and 7pm vehicular access to parts of Oxford Street is limited to taxis and buses, except on Sundays.
Conservative council blocked previous proposal
In 2018, the BBC reported, Westminster City Council leader Nickie Aiken – who later became the MP for the Cities of London and Westminster – said a ‘rethink of the whole strategy’ to change Oxford Street was required. In a statement, she said sat the time: “It was clear through two public consultations and recent council elections that local people do not support the pedestrianisation proposals.”
The BBC also reported that around a million people were directly contacted for a public consultation between November 6, 2017, and January 3, 2018, asking if they supported the proposals. Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council received 14,377 responses.
More than 9,000 – about 64 per cent – either supported the project outright or backed the proposals with ‘some concerns about certain elements’. An earlier initial consultation, in spring 2017, saw 62 per cent of the 12,000 responses supporting the principles behind the transformation of Oxford Street.
Mr Khan said: “Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.
“I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans – that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country. I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.”
“The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together – City Hall and the new Government – we can build a better London for everyone.”
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Oxford Street ‘needs a boost’, says Angela Rayner
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing and Communities, said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the Mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.
“This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.”
Peter Ruis, executive director for John Lewis, said: “Oxford Street has been home to the first ever John Lewis store since 1864. We’re extremely proud of our place on the street and are investing significantly in our flagship, next month opening one of the country’s biggest Beauty Halls and welcoming Waterstones.
“We’re delighted to see the plans announced today to transform ‘the nation’s high street’ and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London’s West End.”
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