Oxford Street, a cornerstone of Britain’s retail sector, might soon see significant changes as plans to pedestrianize part of it are underway.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan has proposed a 0.7-mile pedestrian zone on Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.
- Traffic restrictions have already been in place, limiting access from 7am to 7pm, except Sundays, but exclude buses and taxis.
- The £90m Oxford Street Programme aims to revitalize the area by widening pavements and enhancing the shopping environment.
- This initiative requires urgent action to rejuvenate the street, create jobs, and boost economic prosperity for London and the UK.
Oxford Street, a significant hub in the UK’s retail landscape, is poised for transformation under plans spearheaded by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He has announced a proposal to establish a new 0.7-mile pedestrian zone stretching from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch. The intention behind this initiative is to breathe new life into what was once considered the jewel in the crown of the nation’s retail sector.
Currently, vehicle access on parts of Oxford Street has been restricted to specific hours — from 7am to 7pm — excluding Sundays. Importantly, these restrictions do not apply to buses and taxis, thereby allowing essential public transport to continue operating. This structured approach aims to mitigate traffic congestion while still accommodating necessary transit.
The proposal forms a part of the broader £90m Oxford Street Programme, which is expected to commence this autumn. This endeavor, carried out by the Westminster City Council in conjunction with the business improvement district New West End Company (NWEC), seeks to not only widen pavements but also improve the overall shopping atmosphere, potentially attracting more visitors and invigorating the local economy.
Sadiq Khan has emphasized the urgency of these plans, noting the street’s decline in recent years and the necessity of restoring its former prominence. He highlighted the collaborative effort with the government and local businesses, aiming not only to reinvigorate this iconic section of London but also to foster job creation and economic growth within the city and the country at large.
The pedestrianization of Oxford Street symbolizes a pivotal step toward rejuvenating both the street itself and the broader economic landscape of London and the UK.
