Mayor launches public consultation on biggest transformation of Oxford Street in history
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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today launched a public consultation on proposals to breathe new life into Oxford Street. Oxford Street is an area of critical national economic importance, with an estimated annual contribution to London’s economy of £25bn in 2022. But the area has suffered in recent years for a variety of reasons including the pandemic, the growth of online shopping and out-of-town shopping centres. The Mayor’s proposals – working alongside government, businesses and local councils - could include future plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and transform it into an exciting, green and thriving destination for Londoners and tourists alike. The aim is for the street to become the world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events. The public consultation – which is open from 28 February 2025 to 2 May 2025 - is about gathering Londoners’ views on the Mayor’s proposals to create a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would have the necessary powers to support the transformation of the area, and on the principle of pedestrianisation. Londoners are invited to get involved and have their say on the proposals under consideration, which would pave the way for the transformation of Oxford Street through:
These proposals would help to attract more national and international visitors, bringing the world to London and showcasing the best of London to the world, while also acting as a magnet for new customers, new investment and job-creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue. These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth. I encourage everyone to have their say on these proposals, which would transform 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.” Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: "The London-wide and national economic benefits of such a scheme are there to be seen for residents and visitors alike, as are wider benefits for air quality and health and wellbeing. This is a significant development for central London and a new use of powers. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor and other stakeholders on the consultation and continuing to work with them on developing the proposals, including to benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.” Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, said: “The launch of the public consultation marks a significant milestone in the journey of the nation’s high street. It is an important step towards unlocking the full potential of Oxford Street and the wider West End. We are ready to work with the Mayor, the Government, Westminster City Council, and the local community to bring this vision to life and drive long-term benefits for London and the UK as a whole. “We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the UK economy. With significant private sector investment already driving change, Oxford Street is evolving. It has always been a much-loved destination, attracting Londoners and visitors from around the world. It’s a place where retail, leisure, and culture come together, and with growing demand for high-quality office space, its role as a vibrant commercial hub continues to expand.” Karim Fatehi OBE, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We welcome these ambitious plans to revitalise Oxford Street as one of the world’s foremost shopping destinations by improving the visitor experience and increasing footfall. “This consultation is a great opportunity for businesses to have their say to ensure the proposals work for them, and we urge businesses of all sizes to participate and help shape this exciting transformation to drive tourism and economic growth in the area.” Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “The exciting plans for Oxford Street would turn it into one of Europe’s biggest plazas. With pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants taking centre stage, we hope we can showcase, on one of the world’s most famous streets, how it’s possible to break down planning and licensing barriers to generate a thriving social scene. This type of hospitality-led regeneration can truly allow Oxford Street to thrive and further enhance London's offering.” John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.”
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Notes to Editors: *Designation of the proposed Mayoral Development Area is subject to statutory consultation and consideration by the London Assembly. At least one elected representative of each London local authority that falls within the boundaries of the new Area will sit on the board on the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation, together with local businesses, in order to drive forward the change. The consultation proposes a further two seats for Westminster City Council. The Mayor invites responses by commenting directly via http://www.london.gov.uk/your-oxford-street |