Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans to pedestrianise London’s iconic Oxford Street, aiming to revitalise the area as a premier shopping destination.
- Previous debates on pedestrianisation faced opposition from Westminster Council, primarily over re-routing public transport.
- The Deputy Prime Minister’s expected approval will empower the creation of a mayoral development area to implement the project.
- Recent reports noted Oxford Street’s numerous vacant units, suggesting a need for increased footfall and financial rejuvenation.
- Oxford Street continues to experience high visitor numbers despite setbacks from the pandemic and store closures.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled ambitious plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street, a move designed to revitalise the renowned shopping district and restore its status as a world-leading retail hub.
The initiative to pedestrianise the mile-long street has been a topic of discussion for years. Concerns were primarily raised by Westminster Council and local stakeholders about the impact of re-routing public transportation, leading to previous stalls in progress.
With anticipated backing from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the creation of a mayoral development area is set to grant Mayor Khan the authority needed to realise his vision, first proposed in 2017.
Oxford Street has been facing challenges, including a high number of vacant storefronts, as highlighted in a recent report by Local Data Company. The pedestrianisation is expected to draw more visitors, thereby boosting spending and generating additional tax revenue for the area.
Despite experiencing a decline in visitors due to Covid-19 restrictions, Oxford Street remains a major draw, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors daily. However, the closure of key department stores has impacted the street’s vitality further.
The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street represents a strategic move to rejuvenate a historically significant part of London’s retail landscape.
