Sadiq Khan Pedestrianizes Oxford Street to Boost Retail Growth
Mayor Sadiq Khan will pedestrianize a one-kilometer stretch of Oxford Street starting October 26 to revitalize the shopping district ahead of the Christmas season.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced that a nearly one-kilometer section of Oxford Street, spanning from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, will become pedestrianized starting October 26. The first phase of this revitalization plan bans buses, taxis, and other vehicles to increase retail and tourism activity before the Christmas shopping period.
Transport for London and the Oxford Street Development Corporation will manage the installation of safety measures and street cleaning. The city intends to use this temporary phase to collect real-time data to guide permanent designs. Planned upgrades for spring 2027 include the addition of two public squares, 100 seats, and more than 50 trees.
Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, criticized the initiative, arguing that the preparations were rushed. He warned that diverting traffic to nearby small streets would cause economic and environmental harm, while leaving concerns regarding air pollution and public safety unresolved.
