Sadiq Khan confirms plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street but there are still challenges to deliver the vision

London mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed long-awaited plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, one of the capital’s busiest shopping destinations, in a move expected to significantly reshape central London.

Under the proposals, traffic will be removed from the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street by the end of summer, creating a new pedestrian-focused retail and leisure space.

City Hall said the redesigned street will include trees, seating areas and enhanced lighting, with CCTV and improved street design aimed at prioritising safety, particularly for women and girls.

Business leaders welcome plans

The proposal has been broadly welcomed by major retailers and business groups.

John Lewis managing director Peter Ruis said pedestrianisation would help create a more “vibrant, green” environment, while Selfridges executive director Meave Wall said the transformation could revitalise the iconic shopping street.

The New West End Company, which represents more than 600 businesses across the district, also supported the move. Chief executive ReDee Corsi said previous one-day pedestrianisation trials demonstrated strong benefits.

She noted that earlier events significantly increased footfall both on Oxford Street and surrounding streets.

Debate over design and transport impacts

Despite the support, the announcement sparked criticism online after a computer-generated image of the proposed redesign circulated on social media.

Some commentators mocked elements such as brightly coloured paving and artistic installations suspended above the street. However, reports suggest the image dates from an earlier design concept and may not represent the final plans.

Questions also remain over how buses and traffic will be rerouted, as more than 200,000 bus passengers currently travel along Oxford Street each day.

Political tensions with Westminster Council

The project has also been politically contentious.

Westminster City Council, which governs the area, had previously raised concerns about the scheme. Council leader Adam Hug acknowledged those reservations but said the authority would now work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure the plans benefit local residents and businesses.

He said the council had already secured several changes to the original proposals, including ensuring bus services continue along Oxford Street East, which is not part of the pedestrianised section.

Political analysts say the decision marks a rare point of tension between Labour-led City Hall and Labour-controlled Westminster Council, though both sides now appear committed to cooperating.

Potential economic boost for retail and property

Industry figures believe the transformation could boost the area’s economy.

Paul Stenson, director of real estate investment management at IQ-EQ, said the reinvention of Oxford Street could create new opportunities for property investors, highlighting the district’s unique mix of landowners including investment funds, private owners and major retailers.

Calls for wider consultation

Transport watchdog London TravelWatch said it broadly supports pedestrianisation but urged Transport for London (TfL) to consult widely to ensure the new layout is safe and accessible for all users.

The success of the scheme will depend heavily on managing displaced traffic and bus routes, while ensuring Oxford Street remains accessible for shoppers, workers and residents.

If delivered as planned, the project would represent one of the most significant transformations of central London’s streetscape in decades.