London Mayor Sadiq Khan advances plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, appointing a dedicated development corporation to oversee the transformative project amid strong public backing and concerns over traffic and safety.
City Hall has advanced significant plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street in central London, with Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan spearheading a transformative scheme aimed at revitalising one of the UK’s most iconic high streets. This initiative, widely backed by the public and businesses alike, is designed to reduce traffic, expand pedestrian-friendly spaces, and rejuvenate the retail and leisure experience in the area.
The mayor has appointed the leading architectural firms Hawkins Brown and East to lead the project. According to East director Julian Lewis, Oxford Street exemplifies the heart of London, and the team is honoured to be central to its transformation into a world-class public space. Hawkins Brown partner Darryl Chen echoed this enthusiasm, describing the opportunity to redefine Oxford Street’s future as an exciting chapter that aligns with evolving retail trends.
A comprehensive public consultation, closed in May 2025, garnered over 6,600 responses, revealing that nearly 70% of Londoners support the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to oversee the project, while around two-thirds favour pedestrianisation specifically. The London Assembly approved the designation of a Mayoral Development Area and supported setting up the MDC, which is expected to be formally established by January 2026. This body, to be known as the Oxford Street Development Corporation, will steer the detailed planning and delivery of the pedestrianisation scheme and wider regeneration efforts.
Mayor Khan has emphasised the urgency of these measures, stating that Oxford Street has suffered decline over many years due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of online shopping. He expressed confidence that the plans, backed by a significant majority of Londoners and key businesses, will breathe new life into the nation’s premier high street. The Labour government has also pledged support for the MDC to push through the plans, which had faced opposition from Westminster City Council in the past.
The project includes pedestrianising about 0.7 miles of Oxford Street, extending from Oxford Circus westwards to Great Portland Street, alongside efforts to improve the street environment with green spaces, outdoor dining, and events. Detailed proposals related to highway and traffic management will be published later this year, including plans to divert up to 17 bus routes currently serving the street. Despite Oxford Street’s existing heavy restrictions on general traffic, concerns have been raised about potential congestion spillover in neighbouring areas, with transport representatives warning of possible increased chaos.
The London Assembly has called on the mayor to ensure the scheme creates a “healthy street” that is inclusive, safe, accessible, and environmentally supportive. Cross-party voices have advised that priority should be given to public amenities, including world-class public toilets, to enhance the visitor experience. However, critics have warned of risks such as deterring investment and increasing crime, citing examples from other pedestrianised streets.
Residents, businesses, and city officials are now tasked with balancing the ambitious vision of transforming Oxford Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-first destination with the practical challenges of managing traffic flow, maintaining public safety, and fostering sustainable urban development. The establishment of the MDC is viewed as a pivotal step to unify governance and ensure coordinated delivery of this landmark project, aimed at securing Oxford Street’s status as a leading global shopping and leisure artery for years to come.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (Birmingham Mail) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
- [2] (London.gov.uk) – Paragraphs 4, 5, 8
- [3] (The Guardian) – Paragraphs 6, 7, 9, 10
- [4] (Evening Standard) – Paragraph 11
- [5] (Evening Standard) – Paragraphs 12, 13
- [6] (London.gov.uk) – Paragraphs 6, 8
Source: Noah Wire Services
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The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
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Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, with references to events up to September 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 2025, indicating that the information is relatively fresh. The report is based on a press release from the Mayor’s office, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged for potential overlap.
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