London’s Oxford Street is set to undergo a significant transformation as vehicle traffic is planned to be removed in a bid to enhance pedestrian access. This initiative has been a long-standing point of contention for local governments and residents alike.
During a recent City Hall meeting, senior advisers to London Mayor Sadiq Khan presented a new strategy involving the establishment of an Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). This approach aims to circumvent obstacles that have previously stymied pedestrianisation efforts, including opposition from Westminster City Council, which has the authority over the street.
The proposal for pedestrianising Oxford Street has been part of Khan’s vision since his 2016 election campaign. However, previous plans were halted in 2018 due to community pushback and the council’s subsequent reversal of support after local residents rallied against the changes. At the time, Khan described the council’s decision as “a betrayal” after extensive consultations had favored pedestrianisation.
The creation of the OSDC allows for a mayoral body to oversee development around Oxford Street, effectively removing planning powers from Westminster Council. This board will consist of 12 members, including three from Westminster and one from Camden, with the remainder appointed by the mayor.
Although the establishment of a development corporation for a central London shopping district is unprecedented, City Hall officials argue it is essential for transforming Oxford Street into a vibrant cultural and retail hub. Critics, however, have voiced concerns about the democratic implications, fearing that local voices will be sidelined and that traffic will simply be diverted to surrounding residential streets.
Local residents, such as Karen Jones, who has lived in the area for two decades, expressed worries about the potential congestion in quieter neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Michael Bolt from the Marylebone Association criticized the lack of local representation in the decision-making process, arguing that the new plans undermine the democratic rights of residents.
In addition, the plans for Oxford Street must still receive approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, which, until recently, was unlikely to be granted by the Conservative government. However, insiders at City Hall noted the backing from Angela Rayner, who currently holds that position, as “great” for the project.
While the pedestrianisation process is set to begin, it will not be fully implemented until after the busy Christmas shopping period, with major work slated to start in the spring. Concerns remain not just about the traffic diversions, but also about the impact on the character of local communities.
Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster Council, mentioned that many details about the transformation remain unresolved, describing the process as rushed. He expressed a desire for a more thoughtful approach that could maximize the benefits of the changes.
The community will be watching closely as plans for Oxford Street advance, keen to see how the development corporation will navigate local concerns and the unique challenges of transforming one of London’s most famous streets.
