Mayor of London to move ahead with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street

The mayor of London has confirmed he will go ahead with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street after securing “overwhelming public and business support” for his proposals.

It comes after Sadiq Khan launched a three-month public consultation on the proposed scheme earlier this year, which attracted 6,654 responses with almost seven in 10 in support of pedestrianisation.

A press release from the mayor of London stated that major businesses operating on Oxford Street, including John Lewis, Selfridges and Ikea, also welcomed the plans, which aim to boost retail and growth.

Further details of the proposal to pedestrianise the area from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street will be published later this year. City Hall aims to create a Mayoral Development Corporation by 1 January 2026 to oversee the transformation.

Traffic and highway proposals will also be consulted on before the end of 2025.

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 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.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Oxford Street’s potential to establish itself as a world-leading destination for hospitality, leisure and tourism is enormous, and the mayor’s plans for regeneration can make it a reality. I’m delighted the project will be going ahead, with the support of Londoners, businesses and the public.

“Hospitality is a key part of creating successful high streets and places where people want to live, work, invest and visit across the UK. Putting us at the heart of one of the world’s most famous locations will be a real boost for London and its millions of annual visitors. I’m looking forward to working with the mayor on this exciting redevelopment.”

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