London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he wants to ban traffic from Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible’ after stating the plans are supported by ‘the vast majority of Londoners.’
The proposals, which were unveiled in February, would see the famous road turned into a European-style promenade in a £150 million revamp.
Cars and buses would be blocked from driving the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with potential further changes being made towards Tottenham Court Road in the future.
Since Mr Khan unveiled the plans earlier this year, his office has been running a consultation with the public to see if they agree with the idea.
People told Metro previously that they were not fully convinced the pedestrianisation plan will ever happen or whether they would back it.
However City Hall said the survey, which was carried out by the Greater London Authority between February and May of 6,642 people, shows that two-thirds of Londoners support the idea.
Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year.
The mayor, who previously tried to pedestrianise the area in 2018 but it was blocked by then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council, said he wants to restore the famous shopping spot to its ‘former glory’.
He now needs to get permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers to redevelop the area.
The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Selfridges, John Lewis, and IKEA have welcomed the plans, which will transform the street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
Latest London news
The pedestrianised zone would also host cultural events and activities as a public space.
The shopping district has been blighted by US-style sweet shops in recent years, which sell candy and souvenirs, mainly catering to tourists. Police seized £80,000 worth of fake goods from one candy store, including sweets with banned ingredients.
Speaking on the rooftop of Selfridges today, the mayor told Metro: ‘We’ve seen flagship stores leave Oxford Street, but also the pandemic had a major impact.
‘I want to restore this street to its former glory, and I want this to be a world leader for retail, for leisure and for outdoor events as well.’
When asked about doubts some Londoners have had whether the project will really go ahead, the mayor said: ‘There have been many false storms before with our plans to regenerate this street.
‘This is a wonderful street. It is iconic, but it is not doing as well as it should do. I think it is in decline, and that is why we have got bold plans to regenerate this street, and I’m so excited that seven out of ten of those who responded to the consultation support our bold plans.
‘More than two-thirds support our plans to pedestrianise this street.’
What do businesses think?
67% of Londoners support the pedestrianisation, the poll shows.
The IKEA CEO Peter Jekelby has thrown his support behind the plan, describing it as a ‘positive step,’ which will create ‘a more welcoming and accessible space.’
Selfridges‘ executive director, Meave Wall, said the pedestrianisation plan will shape ‘a brighter future for this iconic shopping and entertainment hub.’
‘Selfridges has thrived on Oxford Street for well over 100 years and we’re hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world,’ she said.
John Lewis‘s managing director, Peter Ruis, said: ‘We continue to invest significantly in our Oxford Street store – including a new beauty hall, a Waterstones bookshop and the new Jamie Oliver Cookery School – and believe pedestrianisation will create a vibrant, thriving shopping environment enhancing the area’s appeal as a top retail destination.’
New West End Company, which represents more than 600 businesses in the West End, said Oxford Street alone generates 5% of London’s annual economic activity.
The group’s CEO Dee Corsi said: ‘A comprehensive and considered transformation of Oxford Street – delivered in partnership with local businesses and communities – will enhance the area, bringing significant economic benefits to Londoners and the wider UK economy.’
He said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Angela Rayner, the deputy Prime Minister, said the government supports the plan to ‘help breathe new life into Oxford Street.’
‘We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that’s why we welcome the Mayor of London’s bold proposals to achieve that,’ she said.
However, traffic will not be banned overnight as the proposal still has to jump through red tape and legal hoops. This includes establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which will be tasked with the revamp.
The corporation is set to be up and running by January.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.