Oxford Street pedestrianisation gets go-ahead

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has revealed that the planned pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has been given the green light.

The mayor’s office stated that its consultation showed that around seven in 10 back the Oxford Street transformation plans, with two-thirds specifically supporting the idea of pedestrianisation.

Alongside this, major businesses including Selfridges, John Lewis and Ikea have welcomed the plans. Proposals for pedestrianising Orchard Street to Great Portland Street will be published later this year.

City Hall is aiming to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation by 1 January 2026 to drive the area’s transformation. The MDC will work alongside government, businesses, local councils and local residents to develop and deliver a bold new vision for London’s flagship high street.

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.

“We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.”

Deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, added: “We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that’s why we welcome the Mayor of London’s bold proposals to achieve that.

“We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.”