The Mayor of London has announced plans to proceed with the regeneration of Oxford Street, including proposals for pedestrianisation, following strong public and business support.
The recent consultation, which received over 6,600 responses, showed that nearly 70% of participants backed the Mayor’s overall plans to revitalise the area, while two-thirds supported pedestrianising sections of the street.
The regeneration proposals, initially outlined in February 2025, aim to enhance the area by improving the visitor experience and creating space for outdoor events and hospitality. Businesses such as Selfridges, John Lewis and Ikea have expressed support for the plans, which are intended to stimulate retail activity and attract investment to both London and the wider UK.
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.
City Hall intends to consult later in 2025 on detailed proposals to pedestrianise the section of Oxford Street from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street. In addition, the Mayor plans to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) by January 2026 to lead the long-term transformation of the area.
The MDC would work in partnership with government, businesses, local authorities and residents to deliver improvements to Oxford Street as a destination for shopping, leisure and events. The wider ambition is to create a high-quality, attractive public space that draws both Londoners and international visitors, contributing to the goals of the London Growth Plan by supporting jobs, investment and tourism over the long term.
The proposals remain subject to approval by the London Assembly and the required legislative process.
IKEA’s UK CEO, Peter Jekelby, said: ‘The plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street is a positive step, which we believe will create a more welcoming and accessible space – bringing wide-ranging benefits to visitors, shoppers, businesses and the wider community.’
Selfridges executive director, Meave Wall, said: ‘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. The community’s support and enthusiasm is really encouraging, and we are excited to play our part in shaping a brighter future for this iconic shopping and entertainment hub.’
John Lewis managing director, Peter Ruis, said: ‘We welcome the Mayor’s plans for the regeneration and pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, where John Lewis has been a key retailer for over 160 years. 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.’
Photo by Johen Redman via UnSplash
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