The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a public consultation on ambitious proposals to transform Oxford Street by pedestrianising the famous shopping district.

The consultation, which opened on 28 February and will run until 2 May 2025, seeks Londoners' views on creating a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) with specific planning powers to deliver what Khan describes as the "biggest transformation of Oxford Street in history".

Oxford Street, estimated to contribute £25 billion annually to London's economy as of 2022, has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the pandemic, growth of online shopping, and competition from out-of-town shopping centres.

"Oxford Street has been known as the nation's high street but the area has suffered in recent years," said Khan. "My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean avenue. These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth."

The pedestrianisation plan represents Khan's renewed attempt to transform the area after a previous effort in 2018 was blocked by the then Conservative-run Westminster City Council. Following last year's general election, the Labour government granted the mayor planning powers to create an MDC around Oxford Street.

Dee Corsi, chief executive officer of New West End Company, welcomed the consultation, calling it a "significant milestone" in the street's journey. "We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the UK economy," she said.

The proposals aim to create a pedestrian-friendly public space that could host events and activities, with designs focusing on sustainability and climate resilience. If approved, the plan would transform Oxford Street into "one of Europe's biggest plazas," according to Kate Nicholls, chief executive officer of UKHospitality.

Karim Fatehi, chief executive officer of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged businesses to participate in the consultation, emphasising the opportunity to "help shape this exciting transformation to drive tourism and economic growth in the area."

However, the plans have received mixed reactions. One London taxi driver told the BBC the pedestrianisation would be a "nightmare for drivers" while shoppers generally welcomed the proposal, with one noting it would make shopping "so much easier."

---