Banning cars on Oxford Street has been in the pipeline for years – but what is happening with the plan now, and how popular is it?
London Oxford Street, which attracts around half a million shoppers each day, will be turned into a European-style promenade without traffic.
The £150,000,000 pedestrianisation project is being pushed by the London Mayor Sadiq Khan and local business leaders to restore the famous shopping spot to its ‘former glory.’
Oxford Street 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.
People told Metro previously that they were not fully convinced the pedestrianisation plan will ever happen or whether they would back it.
But a new consultation reveals that a majority of Londoners support the pedestrianisation and revamp of Oxford Street.
The consultation, carried out by the Greater London Authority between February and May of 6,642 people, shows that two-thirds of Londoners support the pedestrianisation idea, the City Hall says.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Meanwhile, seven out of ten Londoners support the wider regeneration of Oxford Street.
Selfridges, John Lewis and IKEA have reportedly welcomed the plans, which will transform the street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
More detailed proposals on what the new road will look like are expected within the next couple of months, Metro understands.
The pedestrianised zone would also host cultural events and activities as a public space.
Latest London news
The mayor said: ‘Oxford Street has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life.
‘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.
‘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.
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.’
‘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.
