London Mayor launches public consultation on Oxford Street transformation

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a consultation on the potential pedestrianisation of Oxford Street and proposals to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to promote regeneration.

The aim of a revitalised Oxford Street is for the street to become the world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events and the MDC would have specific planning powers to “deliver a world-leading scheme that works for residents, visitors and businesses”.

Oxford Street delivered an estimated annual contribution to London’s economy of £25bn in 2022. But the area is considered to be underperforming for a variety of reasons including the pandemic, the growth of online shopping and out-of-town shopping centres.

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.”

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said, "The London-wide and national economic benefits of such a scheme are there to be seen for residents and visitors alike, as are wider benefits for air quality and health and wellbeing. This is a significant development for central London and a new use of powers. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor and other stakeholders on the consultation and continuing to work with them on developing the proposals, including to benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.”

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said, “The exciting plans for Oxford Street would turn it into one of Europe’s biggest plazas. With pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants taking centre stage, we hope we can showcase, on one of the world’s most famous streets, how it’s possible to break down planning and licensing barriers to generate a thriving social scene. This type of hospitality-led regeneration can truly allow Oxford Street to thrive and further enhance London's offering.”

John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said, “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.”

The public consultation runs to 2 May 2025