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Image Credit: Greater London Authority
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled new government-backed plans to make Oxford Street greener, cleaner, and safer by moving forward with pedestrianisation proposals for "the nation's most famous high street."
The ambitious plan aims to transform the 1.3-mile stretch into "the world's leading retail destination," made possible by the creation of a new Mayoral Development Area, supported by the Labour government and Westminster City Council. Khan also proposes a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) with planning powers to shape a project that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses.
Khan envisions Oxford Street becoming a bustling retail and leisure hub, attracting more tourists, boosting foot traffic and spending, and competing with iconic shopping districts like Times Square, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, and Las Ramblas.
This initiative builds on existing vehicle access restrictions—buses, and taxis are currently the only vehicles allowed on certain sections between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., excluding Sundays. However, previous efforts to pedestrianise the street were halted by Westminster Council, which raised concerns about rerouting the buses.
"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," said Khan. "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."
Home to iconic stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, Oxford Street draws over 500,000 visitors daily, accounting for around five percent of London's economic output in 2019—an impressive £22.75 billion. However, the street faces mounting challenges, including the rise of online shopping, out-of-town retail centers, and the closure of major department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. The influx of pop-up "candy stores" and a slower recovery in tourist numbers post-pandemic have further strained the area.
In response, Mayor Sadiq Khan is pushing for a pedestrianised Oxford Street, hoping the transformation will draw more visitors, create jobs, and boost London's and the UK's economic growth. The plan aims to enhance London's night-time economy, improve air quality, and generate increased tax revenue.
To bring the vision to life, Khan will need backing from Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and approval from the London Assembly after a formal consultation period.
"Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination, and we want it to stay that way," said Rayner. "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."
Khan initially proposed pedestrianising Oxford Street in 2017, but the £43m project fell through in 2018 when the then Conservative-led Westminster Council withdrew its support. Although Labour took control of the council in 2022, resistance from residents has so far prevented the revival of the plans.
Meanwhile, Westminster Council is moving forward with a £150m revitalisation of the wider area, with £89m earmarked specifically for Oxford Street and an additional £25m set aside to upgrade Oxford Circus. However, these plans hinge on financial contributions from businesses in the New West End Company business improvement district. Reports suggest the proposals may also include maintaining vehicular access on Oxford Street.
"We are pleased that all partners are taking a long-term, strategic view of the issues at hand, ensuring a comprehensive approach to Oxford Street's future of course the devil will be in the detail," said Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company.
"Representing over 600 West End businesses, New West End Company looks forward to working closely with the Mayor, the Government, and Westminster City Council to ensure the MDC's goals are achieved. We're committed to making this vision a reality and seizing the opportunity to elevate Oxford Street as a top global destination."
Khan's vision for a greener, cleaner, and safer Oxford Street aligns with his broader 10-point climate action plan for London, unveiled earlier this year. The ambitious strategy includes proposals such as installing solar panels on school roofs, converting London's entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2030, creating 40,000 new public bike parking spaces, and adding 23,000 more electric vehicle charging points across the city. These initiatives are designed to push London towards a more sustainable future while enhancing the city's infrastructure and environmental credentials.
"This is fantastic news and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the West End's economy while tackling London's air quality crisis," said Barbara Stoll, director of the Clean Cities Campaign. "Cities worldwide have shown that pedestrianisation increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and reduces retail vacancies - benefiting local businesses and residents.
"This move will reinvigorate central London and will reinforce the city's role as a global leader in effectively tackling climate change whilst making urban life better for everyone.
"And many businesses are already shifting to zero-emission fleets, cutting costs while delivering climate and air quality gains. We must build on this political ambition and replicate this in towns and cities across the country."
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