Oxford Street transformation announced by Mayor
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has set out “bold” proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a “beautiful public space.” The plans backed by the new government would ensure that the street “becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come.”
Khan has previously tried to implement major changes to Oxford Street, but was blocked from implementing his plans. 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 the surrounding area, returning this part of the capital to its former glory.
Supported by ministers, the Mayor has confirmed that he intends to designate a Mayoral Development Area to bring forward the regeneration of Oxford Street.* As part of this, the Mayor is proposing that a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is established, which will have planning powers to provide the framework for delivery of a world-leading scheme that works for residents, visitors and businesses.
Oxford Street is famous across the world. It still welcomes more than 500,000 visitors every day and generates approximately five per cent of the capital’s economic output (GVA), the equivalent of £22.75bn (in 2019)*. It is home to numerous flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as being a key commercial centre.
Although it remains a vital part of the UK’s tourism, leisure and retail offer, generating revenue for the Exchequer that is reinvested across the country, it is in need of major regeneration. Competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres, the closure of flagship department stores, and the prevalence of ‘candy stores’ have put significant strain on the street’s attractiveness, while tourism numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic.
The Mayor is determined to re-invent and transform Oxford Street, working with businesses and Westminster City Council to create one of the finest public spaces in the world and making the area substantially greener, cleaner and safer for everyone.
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.
