Londoners are being asked to have their say on the future of Oxford Street, with a public consultation open until Friday, May 2. But while the proposal promises transformation, the details remain vague.
A Consultation That Raises More Questions Than Answers
Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a consultation on plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, a proposal that has resurfaced multiple times over the years. The Green Londoner previously covered the latest announcement in October—now that more details have emerged, what’s actually new?
We reviewed the consultation and filled out the questionnaire. Here’s what we found.
Why Is Oxford Street Changing?
Oxford Street is London’s most famous high street, known for its Christmas lights, bustling foot traffic, and endless rows of shops. But it’s also:
- Congested and noisy
- Highly polluted
- Losing footfall—partly due to the rise of online shopping, shopping centres, high prices, and lack of diversity in its offerings
The Mayor’s goal is to “deliver change”, positioning Oxford Street as a global destination for shopping, leisure, and events while improving the environment. But how?
How Will It Work? A New Development Corporation
The key proposal is to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC)—a dedicated body under the Mayor’s leadership with extra planning powers to oversee the area’s redevelopment.
For this to happen, the Mayor must first define the Mayoral Development Area (MDA), which requires Parliamentary approval.
Proposed Mayoral Development Area (Transport for London, Reimagine Your Oxford Street)
An interesting political twist? Prime Minister Keir Starmer must be consulted, as parts of the area fall within his constituency.
Oxford Street: A Space for Londoners, Tourists, or Everyone?
The proposal compares Oxford Street to global shopping destinations like Fifth Avenue in New York or the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
But here’s the problem:
Ask any Parisian, and they’ll tell you the Champs-Élysées is mainly for tourists.
Will Oxford Street follow the same path?
If this transformation is meant to benefit Londoners, it must offer more than just higher footfall and increased retail sales.
What about delivery vans?
Will taxis still have access?
Where will cyclists go?
The proposal risks excluding key groups while prioritising retail and tourism. The vision should go beyond just “shop, eat, connect”—why not “inspire, create, imagine”?
Pedestrianisation, But at What Cost?
The consultation lacks clarity on how pedestrianisation will actually work. Key concerns include:
Redirecting bus routes – Currently, 8 daytime and 9 nighttime buses serve Oxford Street. While the Elizabeth Line at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road will help, how will removing buses impact accessibility?
Taxi and cab access – The plan only says this will be “carefully considered,” with no clear details.
Cyclists being pushed out – There’s mention of an alternative cycle route, but without firm plans, this could make cycling less practical and appealing.
A Missed Opportunity for a Greener Oxford Street?
The proposal mentions the environment, but it lacks vision on key areas like:
🌱 Rewilding & Green Spaces – Will Oxford Street see more trees and biodiversity?
🏗 Sustainable Materials – Will new developments use carbon-negative materials?
🚦 Air Quality Improvements – How will pedestrianisation actively reduce pollution onverall in London and not only in Oxford Street?
Right now, this project feels more like a retail-driven initiative rather than a bold, green urban revamp.
Where’s the Bigger Picture?
One frustrating issue with public consultations is that they often lead to… more consultations.
This is just the first step, and the actual pedestrianisation process will be subject to further consultation.
More importantly, there’s no wider pedestrianisation strategy for London.
Paris, for example, is undergoing a city-wide effort to make the city more walkable. Shouldn’t London aim for the same?
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Enough
If Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation is to be a success, it must:
- Offer more than just retail and consumption
- Be inclusive—ensuring accessibility for cyclists, public transport users, and pedestrians
- Prioritise climate adaptation—with a bold and innovative green transformation
- Fit into a broader pedestrianisation strategy across Greater London
As it stands, the plan feels half-formed, with big questions still unanswered.
Oxford Street has the potential to set a new standard for sustainable urban spaces in London. But will it?
