Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed the next steps to pedestrianise Oxford Street – with the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street being traffic-free by the end of the summer.

The aim is to transform the world-famous thoroughfare into “a pedestrian-friendly, world-class retail and leisure destination”. This will “help boost the West End economy and create a safer and more pleasant overall experience when shopping, dining or simply exploring the area”.

Safety
There will be increased seating and rest areas, good lighting, clear signage, and CCTV. It is promised that “working with community groups and the Met Police, public safety will be prioritised, including the safety of women and girls”.

This scheme will also be sustainably designed, using low carbon materials and with the addition of more trees and planting.

Events
It is the intention that Oxford Street will be able to host world-class events – from sports events, to fashion and culture – and be at the heart of Christmas and other festive activities. It is hoped that the traffic-free street will be used for events as soon as this year.

Oxford Street is the nation’s high street, home to iconic British and international brands and is an area of critical national economic importance. It is the flagship destination in Central London, with an estimated annual contribution of £22.75 billion.

Access
Once delivered, the scheme will see the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street closed to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. The scheme has been specifically designed to ensure that emergency services can access the street at all times, and that service vehicles will be able to access the traffic-free area from midnight to 7am to support local businesses and retailers.

Priorities for the new design include:

  • Creating a bold, unifying vision for the whole street that builds on and enhances its unique character, identity and cultural heritage, transforming it into a place that Londoners and visitors alike can enjoy and explore.
  • Championing inclusive design, ensuring Oxford Street is welcoming to all through improved amenities, increased seating, and better wayfinding for visitors.
  • Future-proofing the public realm and prioritising sustainability through climate resilient design, including the addition of more trees and planting, and the prioritisation of low carbon materials.
  • Prioritising public safety, including the safety of women and girls, ensuring these groups actively inform the design and going beyond lighting improvements.

The changes will also strengthen connections to the side streets and surrounding neighbourhoods, improving access to the many shops, cafés, and restaurants that contribute to the area’s rich urban context.

www.london.gov.uk