The Mayor of London recently announced plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area, following positive feedback detailed in a consultation report published by the Greater London Authority [1]. The mayor is now working with the government to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) by 1 January 2026. The MDC will be dedicated to regenerating the area and ultimately making Oxford Street a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events.
Detailed traffic and highway proposals will be developed to pedestrianise the section of road between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus up to Great Portland Street – almost a mile of one of London’s most iconic high streets. These will be consulted on later this year.
The MDC will work alongside government, businesses, local councils and local residents to develop and deliver a bold new vision for London’s flagship high street. The Mayor’s proposals include:
- creating a beautiful pedestrian-friendly public space to attract shoppers, which can host exciting events and activities to make Oxford Street a place for all;
- creating a well-designed, high-quality space that showcases the best of London’s talent, assets and opportunities – a place that Londoners feel proud of and those coming to London want to visit, invest in and return to;
- hosting exciting events to showcase and test the potential of a new and more inviting public space.
These proposals seek to draw in more national and international visitors, presenting London’s offerings to a global audience and highlighting the city’s best features. This strategy will also contribute to advancing the recently released London Growth Plan by attracting new customers, investments, and job opportunities for years ahead.
