London’s Oxford Street, one of the world’s most famous shopping destinations, is set to be pedestrianized under new plans announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan. After years of stalled efforts, Khan is pushing forward with fresh proposals to ban traffic from the iconic street, backed by new powers from the Labour government.
A New Era for Oxford Street
The pedestrianization will cover the western end of the mile-long stretch between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus, with red double-decker buses and black cabs rerouted elsewhere. This latest move aims to transform Oxford Street into a pedestrian-friendly shopping haven, helping restore its status as a leading retail destination, a role that has diminished over the past decade.
Khan’s plan comes as Oxford Street has been struggling to bounce back from the economic impact of the pandemic and the closure of big-name stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. While visitor numbers have begun to recover, with around 500,000 people now frequenting the street daily, the emergence of American candy shops and souvenir outlets has been seen as lowering the prestige of the street.
“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,” Khan said. “Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.”
New Powers and Support
Khan’s plans for Oxford Street rely on the creation of a mayoral development area, a move that would transfer planning powers from Westminster Council to the mayor’s office. This proposal is expected to be approved by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, allowing Khan to bypass local opposition, which has historically blocked pedestrianization efforts.
Rayner expressed her support for the plan, stating, “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination, and we want it to stay that way.” She also emphasized the potential for job creation and boosting the local economy.
Concerns from Westminster Council and Local Businesses
While the plan has garnered support from some retailers and city officials, it has also faced significant opposition. Westminster Council, which had previously blocked a similar plan in 2018, has its own £90 million redevelopment project for the street, focusing on improving pedestrian crossings, lighting, and adding more seating without banning traffic.
Stuart Love, chief executive of Westminster Council, expressed frustration with Khan’s new plan, revealing that the council had been blindsided by the announcement. “These plans are shovel-ready, have had the support of retailers and the local community, and were intended to deliver significant economic growth,” Love said. He also voiced concerns about the impact on shoppers who rely on direct bus and taxi access, particularly the elderly, disabled people, and those on low incomes.
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of the taxi ranks outside major department stores like John Lewis and Selfridges. He warned that redesigns of bus and taxi routes could negatively affect vulnerable Londoners who rely on these transport services.
Retailers Show Cautious Optimism
Despite some concerns, major retailers have cautiously welcomed the plan. Peter Ruis, executive director of John Lewis, said the company remains “extremely proud” to be on “the nation’s high street” and is “delighted to see the plans announced today.”
Dee Corsi, CEO of the New West End Company, which represents businesses on Oxford Street, added that the organization had “long championed the transformation of Oxford Street” and expressed encouragement about Khan’s latest efforts. However, she stressed the need for swift action, given the long history of previous pedestrianization proposals falling through.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Transformation by 2027
No concrete date has been set for the start of pedestrianization, as the plan is still subject to consultation and approval by the Labour-led London Assembly. However, based on the timeline of previous efforts, the western half of Oxford Street could be pedestrianized by 2027.
As the battle over the future of Oxford Street continues, Sadiq Khan’s renewed push for pedestrianization marks a significant step toward reimagining the street as a world-class retail destination. Whether this plan will finally come to fruition or face further delays remains to be seen, but its outcome could redefine the character and future of one of London’s most iconic thoroughfares.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.