Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has convened the first meeting of the newly formed Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) Board, marking a major step forward
in plans to transform one of the capital’s most famous streets into a world-class destination for shopping, leisure and culture.
The inaugural meeting, held at City Hall, brings together a high-profile team of experts from across retail, property, fashion, food, the arts, law and public service. The new board will steer the regeneration of Oxford Street as the Mayor pushes ahead with proposals designed to revitalise the area and drive economic growth in the heart of London.
The move follows strong public and business backing for the Mayor’s vision. Around seven in ten respondents to public consultation supported plans to regenerate Oxford Street, while two-thirds backed the idea of pedestrianising the street. Detailed proposals for pedestrianisation are now open for consultation until 16 January.
Momentum behind the transformation is already building. Recent market data shows retailers actively securing space on Oxford Street in anticipation of the changes, with property firm Savills forecasting a record number of retail openings by the end of 2026. Legislative groundwork to establish the OSDC was completed at the start of the year, following approval from the London Assembly last July.
At the meeting, board members discussed their shared ambitions for Oxford Street, reviewed progress to date and outlined priorities for the months ahead. The Mayor’s aim is to reposition the street as a vibrant, people-first environment that blends retail with culture, leisure and outdoor events.
The board includes Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE, a leading lawyer and business figure with extensive experience in planning legislation and retail governance, and Es Devlin OBE, the internationally acclaimed stage and set designer known for her work across theatre, music and fashion. Business executive Keith Edelman, former managing director of Arsenal Football Club and chair of Revolution Bars Group, also joins the board, bringing decades of experience in leisure, property and major developments.
Other members include Emir Feisal, a specialist in organisational transformation and public sector governance; Asma Khan, the award-winning restaurateur behind Soho’s Darjeeling Express; and Caroline Rush CBE, former chief executive of the British Fashion Council and a central figure in the global success of London Fashion Week. Infrastructure and regeneration expertise is provided by Kate Willard, chair and chief executive of the Thames Estuary Growth Board.
Local government representation comes from Camden Council Leader Richard Olszewski and Westminster Council Leader Adam Hug. The board also includes Howard Dawber OBE, the Mayor’s Deputy for Business and chair of London & Partners, who previously held a senior strategy role at Canary Wharf Group.
Subject to board approval, a non-voting position has been proposed for the New West End Company, the business improvement district representing Oxford Street and surrounding areas. The organisation has nominated its chief executive, Dee Corsi, who has led major public-realm and destination-marketing initiatives across the West End.
Alongside the board, the Mayor has appointed Nabeel Khan as chief executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation. Khan brings extensive experience in urban planning and regeneration, most recently leading growth and environment programmes at Lambeth Council. His work includes delivering award-winning street transformation strategies and large-scale mixed-use developments focused on inclusive economic growth.
Retail veteran Scott Parsons, appointed chair of the OSDC in November 2025, will lead the board. Parsons has previously held senior roles at Westfield and Landsec and has worked closely with West End businesses during periods of significant change.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation Board is expected to meet again at City Hall in February 2026, as plans for the transformation of the iconic shopping street continue to move forward.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today’s meeting is a major milestone in our work to revitalise the nation’s high street and create a truly world-class leisure destination.
“Bringing the diverse knowledge and insight of our new Board members together with Nabeel Khan’s regeneration expertise will help us to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential, as we continue building a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
Incoming OSDC Chief Executive, Nabeel Khan, said: “Oxford Street is a powerhouse of London’s economy and a cultural touchstone for millions. To help shape its future is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and an immense honour. I look forward to working with our partners to deliver a world-class destination that is welcoming, safe and commercially thriving.”
New West End Company’s Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, said: “The establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation for Oxford Street is significant milestone in the street's ongoing evolution, acknowledging the vital economic, cultural and community role it plays here in the capital, and across the UK.
"It is now crucial that we move forward to deliver long-term, strategic change for Oxford Street and the wider West End. I look forward to working closely with Scott Parsons, Nabeel Khan, the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council and the Board, to represent the West End business community and shape a shared vision for Oxford Street's future.”
OSDC Chair, Scott Parsons, said: “The Oxford Street transformation provides the opportunity to put a world-famous icon back on the map. I'm looking forward to working with the Mayor, the new Chief Executive and their teams on this exciting project.” Photo by DiscoA340, Wikimedia commons.