Mayor launches public consultation on ‘potential’ pedestrianisation of Oxford Street

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Mayor of London has launched a much-anticipated public consultation on his plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.

The consultation, which opened today, will also include plans for a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The public has until May 2 to have their say.

Revisions to the plan include reducing the size of the MDC and a commitment from the Mayor to provide upfront cash for an upgrade to a specific stretch.

Oxford Street is seen as an area of critical importance for the country’s economy and is estimated to have brought in £25billion to London’s economy in 2022. 

Sir Sadiq Khan promised to work with government, businesses and councils on plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and turn it into what City Hall described as a ‘world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events’.

The MDC would give the body its own planning powers and be able to overrule Westminster council, which currently manages Oxford Street. 

The body would consist of at least one elected representative and businesses from each of the local authorities that fall within its boundaries.

Westminster council is tipped to be given three seats. The Mayor said: “Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.”

But Tim Barnes, a Conservative West End councillor in Westminster, said the Mayor should focus on London’s existing issues rather than starting fresh projects. He said: “It’s well known he is already planning to do whatever he wants, regardless of what people say. 

“No one doubts you could make Oxford Street look better but there’s nothing to suggest the Mayor knows how to fix the knock-on problems his plans will land us with. He should concentrate on tackling the crime and public order issues he is already responsible for, and failing to solve, before taking on new challenges.”

Westminster council said the Mayor has committed to an upfront investment for the strip between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road but it did not specify an amount. The council also confirmed the boundary of the MDC has reduced to one block either side of the high street.

The council remains responsible for all services outside of the boundary area and said the Mayor has committed, under any future plans, to consult on allowing north and south access for taxis. City Hall will also prioritise the introduction of electric buses for displaced routes and consolidate freight.

The local authority said the Mayor has agreed, in principle, to a mechanism that will allow Westminster City Council to retain development funds collected in the area. 

The council said is still believes an MDC is not necessary and is working to ensure these commitments are recognised in legally binding agreements.

Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster council, said: “We have already fought hard to secure numerous improvements from the Mayor of London to ensure that any plans for Oxford Street are deliverable and meet the needs of local residents, businesses, and wider London. 

“We seek to work pragmatically with the Mayor’s team to ensure a bright future.”

In September, cllr Hug, wrote to Sadiq Khan and the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, voicing concerns over the Mayor’s plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street which was announced on September 17.

In December, Westminster council confirmed its own £90million regeneration of Oxford Street was no longer going ahead. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the local authority has already spent £22million on the project, which would have allowed traffic to flow down Oxford Street.

The council will reallocate £70million of capital expenditure intended for the project towards works in Warwick Avenue, Paddington Green and along the Grand Union canal, £2million on extra CCTV cameras throughout the city and £3million on measures to prevent surface water flooding.

To take part in the consultation go to www.london.gov.uk/your-oxford-street

Pictured top: A CGI of the revamp works of Oxford Street being proposed by Westminster council, which have now been scrapped (Picture: Westminster council)