London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a public consultation on ambitious plans to revamp Oxford Street, marking the biggest transformation in its history. The proposals include potential

pedestrianisation and the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to accelerate regeneration.

A revitalised Oxford Street would attract more visitors, generate new jobs, and boost retail and economic growth for both London and the UK. The proposed MDC would have special planning powers to ensure a world-class redevelopment that benefits residents, businesses, and tourists.

The Mayor is encouraging Londoners to share their views on these plans before 2 May 2025.

A vital economic hub in need of change

Oxford Street is a key driver of the UK economy, contributing an estimated £25 billion to London’s economy in 2022. However, it has faced challenges in recent years, including the impact of the pandemic, the rise of online shopping, and competition from out-of-town retail centres.

To address these issues, the Mayor is working alongside the government, businesses, and local councils to explore ways to reimagine Oxford Street. The goal is to transform it into a vibrant, green, and dynamic destination for both Londoners and visitors.

A vision for the future

The consultation, running from 28 February to 2 May 2025, invites the public to weigh in on two key proposals:

Pedestrianising Oxford Street to create a lively, people-friendly space for shopping, events, and leisure.

Establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation to oversee and drive the transformation with dedicated planning powers.

If implemented, these changes could turn Oxford Street into a world-leading urban destination, offering:

✅A stunning, pedestrian-friendly environment – a welcoming space for shopping, events, and public gatherings.
✅Sustainable design – making the area more resilient to climate change and future challenges.
✅A showcase of London’s best – highlighting the city’s creativity, talent, and opportunities.
✅Exciting public events – activating the space with cultural and entertainment experiences.

Voices from London’s leadership

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, 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. These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth.

I encourage everyone to have their say on these proposals, which would transform 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.”

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: "The London-wide and national economic benefits of such a scheme are there to be seen for residents and visitors alike, as are wider benefits for air quality and health and wellbeing. This is a significant development for central London and a new use of powers. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor and other stakeholders on the consultation and continuing to work with them on developing the proposals, including to benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.”

Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, said: “The launch of the public consultation marks a significant milestone in the journey of the nation’s high street. It is an important step towards unlocking the full potential of Oxford Street and the wider West End. We are ready to work with the Mayor, the Government, Westminster City Council, and the local community to bring this vision to life and drive long-term benefits for London and the UK as a whole.

“We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the UK economy. With significant private sector investment already driving change, Oxford Street is evolving. It has always been a much-loved destination, attracting Londoners and visitors from around the world. It’s a place where retail, leisure, and culture come together, and with growing demand for high-quality office space, its role as a vibrant commercial hub continues to expand.”

Karim Fatehi OBE, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We welcome these ambitious plans to revitalise Oxford Street as one of the world’s foremost shopping destinations by improving the visitor experience and increasing footfall. 

“This consultation is a great opportunity for businesses to have their say to ensure the proposals work for them, and we urge businesses of all sizes to participate and help shape this exciting transformation to drive tourism and economic growth in the area.”

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “The exciting plans for Oxford Street would turn it into one of Europe’s biggest plazas. With pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants taking centre stage, we hope we can showcase, on one of the world’s most famous streets, how it’s possible to break down planning and licensing barriers to generate a thriving social scene.This type of hospitality-led regeneration can truly allow Oxford Street to thrive and further enhance London's offering.”

John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the Mayor as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.”

Shaping the future of Oxford Street

This transformation is about more than just improving Oxford Street – it's about bringing London to the world and the world to London. By attracting visitors, investors, and businesses, these proposals aim to fuel economic growth and create opportunities for generations to come.

The Mayor urges everyone to have their say on this once-in-a-generation project. Visit the consultation and share your views before 2 May 2025! Photo by Christophe Le Glatin, Wikimedia commons.