The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has 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:
- creating a beautiful pedestrian-friendly public space to attract shoppers, for exciting events and activities to make Oxford Street a place for all
- designing with sustainability in mind, to make the area more resilient to the impact of climate change
- creating a well-designed, high-quality space that showcases the best of London's talent, assets and opportunities - a place that Londoners feel proud of and those coming to London want to visit, invest in and return to
- hosting exciting events to showcase and test the potential of a new and more inviting public realm
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.”
Image credits: iStock
