Oxford Street Will Proceed with Pedestrian-Only Policies
In a significant move towards urban transformation, Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans to pedestrianise a 1.1-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street, London's iconic shopping district, by 2026. The proposed changes aim to create a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space, enhancing the visitor experience and boosting local investment and job opportunities.
The initiative, part of London's broader efforts to improve air quality and enhance urban spaces, has received overwhelming support from London residents and businesses. A recent public consultation reported that nearly 70% of participants backed the transformation, with two-thirds specifically supporting pedestrianisation. Key supporters include major retailers such as Selfridges, John Lewis, and IKEA.
Selfridges, a key retailer on Oxford Street for over a century, welcomes the Mayor's plans. Meave Wall, Selfridges' executive director, is energized by the renewed commitment to make Oxford Street more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors. John Lewis, too, is investing significantly in its Oxford Street store, with plans for a new beauty hall, a Waterstones bookshop, and the new Jamie Oliver Cookery School.
The regeneration proposals aim to enhance the area by improving the visitor experience and creating space for outdoor events and hospitality. The car-free zone is expected to stimulate retail activity and attract investment to both London and the wider UK.
To oversee the regeneration project, the Mayor is working to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) by 1 January 2026. This dedicated development corporation will collaborate with local councils, businesses, and residents to develop and deliver the bold new vision for Oxford Street.
The timeline for the project includes the publication of public consultation results and the announcement to move forward in June 2025. Detailed traffic and highway proposals for pedestrianisation will be developed and consulted on later in 2025.
In separate news, a £500m Network Rail contract has been approved to help British Steel. Meanwhile, homes have been approved for Cleethorpes' former police station, marking a different development in the city.
Peter Jekelby, IKEA's UK CEO, supports the plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street, believing it will create a more welcoming and accessible space. The transformation of Oxford Street is set to be a key part of London’s efforts to enhance urban spaces, improve air quality, and boost economic vitality in one of the world’s busiest shopping districts.
The transformation of Oxford Street, supported by retailers like Selfridges, John Lewis, and IKEA, aims to regenerate the community through the creation of a more pedestrian-friendly public space, enhancing the shopping, home-and-garden, and lifestyle experiences for locals and visitors. The planned pedestrianisation is part of London's broader initiatives to boost the visitor experience, stimulate retail activity, and attract investment, extending to the entire UK. To ensure the success of this regeneration project, a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) will be established to collaborate with various stakeholders, including local councils, businesses, and residents. This collaborative effort is expected to result in a vibrant public space that will attract visitors and boost job opportunities, making Oxford Street a key contributor to London's urban revitalization and improved air quality.
