London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a public consultation on his plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, aiming to revitalise the renowned shopping district into a "world-class, accessible, clean, avenue". The consultation will remain open until 2 May 2025.
Khan is advocating for the establishment of a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to spearhead the regeneration initiative, which would be endowed with specific planning powers, as reported by .
He envisions the revamped Oxford Street becoming the premier global destination for shopping, leisure, and events.
City Hall suggests that the transformation could lead to increased visitor numbers, job creation, and economic growth for both London and the wider º£½ÇÊÓƵ economy, particularly after the street's recent decline due to the Covid pandemic, the surge in online retail, and competition from out-of-town shopping centres.
Stakeholders including the public, local residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to share their opinions on the project, which pertains to an area that contributed £25bn to London's economy in 2022.
Khan commented: "Oxford Street has been known as the nation's high street but the area has suffered in recent years."
He further stated: "My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue."
He concluded by saying: "[This] would help restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, create new jobs and boost growth. I encourage everyone to have their say."
The consultation will centre on gathering the views of Londoners regarding the mayor's plans to establish a new MDC, which would have the necessary authority to pedestrianise the area.
City Hall states that the proposals are aimed at creating an attractive, pedestrian-friendly public space; designing with sustainability and climate change in mind; creating a high-quality design space that showcases the best of London's talent, assets and opportunities; and hosting exciting events in a new, inviting public realm.
Dee Corsi, CEO of the New West End Company, described the opening of the consultation as a "significant milestone" and an "important step towards unlocking the full potential of Oxford Street and the wider West End".
She further added: "We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the º£½ÇÊÓƵ economy.
"With significant private 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."
Meanwhile, Kate Nicholls, CEO of º£½ÇÊÓƵHospitality, said the plans would transform the area into "one of Europe's biggest plazas".
She emphasised: "With pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants taking centre stage, we hope we can showcase, on one of the world's most famous streets, how it's possible to break down planning and licensing barriers to generate a thriving social scene."
