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Mayors

Sadiq Khan Commits to Pedestrianising Oxford Street

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, following an overwhelming response to a public consultation. Two-thirds of respondents backed the proposal to ban traffic from the city's central shopping district, with over 6,600 businesses, individuals, and groups responding to the formal consultation. The move aims to regenerate the street, which has seen a resurgence in popularity with the return of major department stores.

Key Takeaways:

  • A public consultation on plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street received an overwhelming response, with two-thirds of respondents backing the proposal.
  • Over 6,600 businesses, individuals, and groups responded to the formal consultation, with the majority supporting the plans.
  • The mayor's office has stated that there is "overwhelming public and business support" for the proposals to regenerate the street.
  • The plans include full pedestrianisation of a 0.7-mile strip west from Great Portland Street, improving the area, and allowing street cafes and outdoor events.
  • The Labour government has stated its approval for a mayoral development corporation (MDC) to push through the plans, with representation from Westminster city council.
  • The council's leader, Cllr Adam Hug, has expressed a willingness to work with the mayor to see the street "reimagined" in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and residents.
  • The plans aim to rejuvenate Oxford Street as a global leader for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events, attracting more international visitors and driving growth and economic prosperity.
  • Detailed traffic proposals, including rerouting buses and banning all traffic, will be released and consulted on later this year.

Statistics:

  • 6,600 businesses, individuals, and groups responded to the formal consultation.
  • Two-thirds of respondents backed the proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street.
  • Oxford Street is a 0.7-mile strip west from Great Portland Street.
  • The plans aim to regenerate the street, which has seen a resurgence in popularity with the return of major department stores.

Sources:

  • Sadiq Khan's statement on pedestrianising Oxford Street
  • The Mayor's Office of London
  • Westminster City Council
  • The Labour Government
  • The New West End Company
  • Ikea UK and Ireland
  • Selfridges

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