London's Oxford Street to be pedestrianised "as quickly as possible" says Sadiq Khan

London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced that plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street will move forward, following support from the public and businesses.

Results from a public consultation published today revealed that out of 6,642 responses from businesses and London residents, around 7 in 10 backed plans to transform Oxford Street, with two-thirds in support of pedestrianisation specifically.

“It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible,” said Khan.

Over a kilometres of Oxford Street to be pedestrianised

A number of major retailers on the street were among those that backed changes to the area, including Selfridges, John Lewis and IKEA, which opened its Oxford Street branch earlier this year.

Proposals for the transformation of Oxford Street will be published later this year. It will see a 1.1-kilometre stretch from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street pedestrianised and traffic rerouted.

By making the street a car-free zone, it is hoped that the visitor experience will be improved with the addition of outdoor dining and public space.

“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect, but transforming 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,” said Khan.

Khan also plans to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation by 1 January 2026, which will be committed to regenerating the street into a hub for leisure and outdoor events as well as shopping.

Oxford Street’s transformation will aim to attract more shoppers to the destination and boost economic growth in London.

“Urgent action is needed” to sustain Oxford Street

“Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life,” said Khan.

“We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue,” he continued.

“This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.”

Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street were previously announced by Khan in 2017, but it was blocked by Westminster Council, which cited a lack of community support.

Elsewhere on the London high street, Marks & Spencer’s controversial proposal to demolish its Oxford Street flagship store was approved last year by UK housing secretary Angela Rayner.

The top photo is by Krists Luhaers via Unsplash.

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