Mayor of London and government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street

 

• The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, proposes to transform world-famous Oxford Street, in new plans backed by the Government

 

• At the heart of the Mayor’s plans is delivering proposals to pedestrianise the road 

 

• A revitalised, pedestrianised Oxford Street would increase visitor numbers, create new jobs and boost growth in London and across the UK

 

• Supported by the new Government, the pedestrianisation plans would be delivered through the designation of a new Mayoral Development Area.

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today 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 Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come. Today the Mayor Sadiq Khan will say he wants Oxford Street to “once again become the leading retail destination in the world.”

 

The Mayor 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 Oxford Street and the surrounding area, returning this part of the capital to its former glory. 

Supported by ministers, today 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 Oxford Street 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 Oxford 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.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “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. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.

“I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans - that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.

“I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.”

“The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together – City Hall and the new Government – we can build a better London for everyone.”

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the Mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs."

“This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.”

Peter Ruis, Executive Director for John Lewis, says: "Oxford Street has been home to the first ever John Lewis store since 1864. We're extremely proud of our place on the street and are investing significantly in our flagship, next month opening one of the country's biggest Beauty Halls and welcoming Waterstones. We're delighted to see the plans announced today to transform 'the nation's high street’ and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London’s West End.”

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 new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.”

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 new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.”

Barbara Stoll, Director of the Clean Cities Campaign said: “This is fantastic news and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the West End’s economy while tackling London’s air quality crisis. Cities worldwide have shown that pedestrianisation increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and reduces retail vacancies — benefiting both local businesses and residents.

“This move will reinvigorate central London and will reinforce the city’s role as a global leader in effectively tackling climate change whilst making urban life better for everyone.

“And many businesses are already shifting to zero-emission fleets, cutting costs while delivering climate and air quality gains. We must build on this political ambition and replicate this in towns and cities across the country.”

Statement from Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of New West End Company said: “New West End Company has long championed the transformation of Oxford Street, navigating various challenges and proposals over the years. We’re encouraged by the renewed commitment to bring this vision to life and support the government’s drive for economic growth. Given the history of past schemes, it is essential that we move swiftly to deliver this project. 

“We welcome the creation of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Oxford Street. This initiative marks a significant step forward in transforming one of London’s most iconic streets and highlights its crucial role in the city’s growth.

“The West End, a key driver of the UK’s economy, generates 3% of the nation’s economic output and is central to our city’s retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors. The Oxford Street MDC represents a major leap in unlocking its full potential. This revitalisation will not only enhance Oxford Street but also bring economic benefits to all Londoners and the wider UK economy.

“We are pleased that all partners are taking a long-term, strategic view of the issues at hand, ensuring a comprehensive approach to Oxford Street’s future, of course the devil will be in the detail. Representing over 600 West End businesses, New West End Company looks forward to working closely with the Mayor, the Government, and Westminster City Council to ensure the MDC’s goals are achieved. We’re committed to making this vision a reality and seizing the opportunity to elevate Oxford Street as a top global destination."

Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said: “I fully support Mayor Khan's visionary plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street. In Paris, we have seen firsthand how transforming our iconic streets into pedestrian-friendly areas has revitalised the city, reducing pollution and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, said: “Barcelona stands with London in its bold efforts to reimagine its urban spaces. Like our own transformation of Las Ramblas, this project will enrich the city’s cultural life, create a more comfortable and friendly space for pedestrians, and inspire cities around the world to follow suit."

 

 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.

 

*Figures from Westminster City Council’s Oxford Street and Oxford Circus Project Business Case from July 2023

 

• The Secretary of State (MHCLG) must make an order establishing a MDC on request from the Mayor. This request can only be made following a statutory period of consultation and consideration by the London Assembly.

 

• There are currently two Mayoral Development Corporations within London - London Legacy Development Corporation and Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation.

 

• For images of the proposed development click here. These graphics were produced for plans drawn up in 2017 and are representative of the type of initial scheme that could be implemented