Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street have received strong backing from Londoners and businesses, the Mayor of London has confirmed.
Following a large consultation earlier this year, around seven in ten respondents said they supported Sadiq Khan’s proposals to transform the area, with two-thirds specifically in favour of pedestrianisation.
City Hall has said the proposals are part of a wider effort to regenerate Oxford Street, which contributes around £25 billion annually to London’s economy but has faced challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and the rise of online shopping and out-of-town retail parks.
The Mayor now plans to move forward with pedestrianising the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with more detailed traffic and highway proposals due later this year. A Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is also expected to be set up by January 2026 to lead the area’s long-term redevelopment.
The plans include making the space more attractive for visitors with improvements to public areas, creating opportunities for outdoor events and al fresco dining, and promoting Oxford Street as a destination for shopping and leisure.
Major retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis and Ikea have backed the proposals.
Mayor of London, Sadiq 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.
“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said: “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.”
Leader of Camden Council, Cllr Richard Olszewski, said: “This consultation has shown that the majority of those who responded support these plans and the benefits to the economy, air quality, health and wellbeing that this will bring both London-wide and nationally.
“This is a hugely significant development for central London. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Mayor and other stakeholders to develop these proposals and work up in more detail the operational aspects of the proposed development corporation. These proposals are also set to benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.”
Selfridges executive director, Meave Wall, said: “Selfridges has thrived on Oxford Street for well over 100 years, and we’re hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world. The community’s support and enthusiasm is really encouraging, and we are excited to play our part in shaping a brighter future for this iconic shopping and entertainment hub.”
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