Oxford Street is an area of critical national economic importance, with an estimated annual contribution of £25bn to London’s economy[i] – but it has suffered over many years for a variety of reasons, from the pandemic to the growth of online shopping and retail parks.

In February 2025, the Mayor set out proposals to breathe new life into Oxford Street[ii] – including pedestrianisation of the main shopping thoroughfare – to improve visitor experience and better enable new leisure offers, such as al fresco dining and outdoor events.

Following extensive public consultation, attracting 6642 responses, a new report published today shows Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the Mayor’s ideas. Almost seven in 10 expressed support for the Mayor’s proposed interventions to regenerate Oxford Street, while two-thirds are supportive of the pedestrianisation idea specifically.[iii]

This echoes recent polling that found almost two-thirds (63%) of Londoners were in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street – rising to more like three-quarters (72%) among those who had specifically visited the area within 12 months.[iv]

Major businesses in the Oxford Street area and across the capital also welcomed the plans, which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London and the wider UK economy.

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 Mayor will also progress with steps to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to regenerating the area and ultimately making Oxford Street a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

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 aim to attract more national and international visitors, bringing the world to London and showcasing the best of London to the world. This will also help drive progress on the recently published London Growth Plan[v] by acting as a magnet for new customers, new investment and new jobs for decades to come.

Subject to consideration by the London Assembly, the Mayor will work with the government to make the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January 2026.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, 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. 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.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said: “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.

“We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.”

Leader of Camden Council, Cllr Richard Olszewski, said: “This consultation has shown that the majority of those who responded support these plans and the benefits to the economy, air quality, health and wellbeing that this will bring both London-wide and nationally.

“This is a hugely significant development for central London. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Mayor and other stakeholders to develop these proposals and work up in more detail the operational aspects of the proposed development corporation. These proposals are also set to benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.”

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.”

New West End Company CEO, Dee Corsi, said: “Today’s consultation results are an important step forward in the transformation of the nation’s high street – and an acknowledgement of the important economic, cultural and community role it plays for Londoners and the UK as a whole.

“The West End is a powerful driver of growth for the capital, with Oxford Street alone generating 5% of London’s annual economic activity. 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.

“As the representative of over 600 West End businesses, we will continue to work closely with the Mayor, the Government, Westminster City Council and the wider West End community to ensure the Mayoral Development Corporation for Oxford Street takes a long-term, strategic approach to revitalising the street – realising a vision that secures its future and unlocks its full potential. We look forward to seeing more detail on the proposed pedestrianisation plans when they are released for consultation later this year.”

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Karim Fatehi OBE, said: “Oxford Street is a vital economic, social and cultural asset for both London and the UK. We support plans that can unlock its latent potential, boost productivity and revitalise the area.

“Strong and continuous business engagement will be crucial to ensure the successful renewal of one of the capital’s iconic brands. We look forward to working with the Mayor of London to make Oxford Street a thriving destination for businesses and visitors.”

UK Hospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Oxford Street’s potential to establish itself as a world-leading destination for hospitality, leisure and tourism is enormous, and the Mayor’s plans for regeneration can make it a reality. I’m delighted the project will be going ahead, with the support of Londoners, businesses and the public.

“Hospitality is a key part of creating successful high streets and places where people want to live, work, invest and visit across the UK.  Putting us at the heart of one of the world’s most famous locations will be a real boost for London and its millions of annual visitors. I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor on this exciting redevelopment.”

BusinessLDN planning and development director, Sarah Bevan, said: “It’s encouraging to see public backing for long-awaited plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, as part of wider efforts to revitalise the capital’s flagship high street. We welcome the bold vision and the commitment to move forward at pace with establishing the Mayoral Development Corporation and consulting on more detailed plans.

“Close consultation with landowners and businesses within and around the new MDC area over the months ahead will be a must for ensuring its long-term success. Clear governance structures, clarity around how developer contributions will be collected and reinvested, and careful consideration of boundary lines will also be key.”

Transport for London’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Alex Williams, said: “Oxford Street is an iconic location in London – well served by the Tube, Elizabeth line and local bus services – and this consultation shows that there is a clear desire to improve access to the shops, businesses and attractions within the area.

“We will now support the development of detailed traffic and highways plans to pedestrianise the section of road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, which will be consulted on later this year.”

ENDS

For more information on this release or an embargoed PDF copy of the consultation report, please contact [email protected] or call 020 7983 4000.

Notes to editors:

[i] ONS estimates on UK small area gross value added (GVA), 2021 (latest available data)

[ii] https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street

[iii] Between 28 February and 2 May 2025, the Greater London Authority consulted Londoners on two questions related to Oxford Street: the designation of a Mayoral Development Area (MDA) and the principle of pedestrianising Oxford Street. The consultation was widely publicised to statutory consultees, local stakeholders, Londoners and other interested parties throughout this period.

The consultation received 6,642 submissions from a wide range of respondents across Greater London and beyond. These included statutory consultees, individuals, residents’ associations, businesses, trade unions, trade bodies, active travel groups, and accessibility organisations.

On the question of designating an MDA, 69 per cent supported the proposal, of those who responded on this topic. On the principle of pedestrianisation, 66 per cent were in support, of those who responded on this topic. This does not include those who responded with boilerplate text through campaigns. If all campaigns are included, the MDC support rises to 70 per cent and the pedestrianisation support rises to 67 per cent.

[iv] YouGov poll, September 2024: Survey Report

[v] https://growthplan.london/