Transformation of street designed by East set to start work in the new year
London’s Oxford Street has been closed to traffic for the first time ahead of an overhaul designed by public realm practice East.
Almost a kilometre of Europe’s busiest shopping street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is now closed to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.
It marks a significant step forward for plans to pedestrianise the street, which have been repeatedly set back by opposition from Westminster council and local residents over the impact of diverted traffic on surrounding streets.
Sadiq Khan established the Oxford Street Development Corporation on 1 January this year in order to take control of the planning process for the project, which is expected to start on site in 2027.
Images published by East earlier this month show plans for rows of trees in giant planters and new cream and grey-coloured paving replacing the existing road surface.
Minimal construction work will take place this year to avoid disruption during the busy Christmas period but improvements planned by spring next year include more than 50 new trees, two new public squares, over 100 new seats, dining tables, new lighting and new signage.
City Hall said the project aims to “put Oxford Street back among top global shopping destinations including Times Square, the Champs-Élysées and La Rambla”.
Khan described today’s stoppage of traffic as a “truly momentous occasion for the capital” following decades of false starts for the street’s pedestrianisation.
“For centuries, Oxford Street has reinvented itself, adapting to changing times and helping shape British culture along the way,” he said.
“There has been talk of pedestrianising Oxford Street for decades. After so many false dawns, and now working with a Government who share the scale of my ambition, I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street.
“The transformation will turn the nation’s high street into a world-class pedestrian space, where flagship retailers will sit alongside new shops and workplaces – and we’ll bring exciting new experiences to the street, from sport to fashion and cultural events.
“Revitalising Oxford Street will boost jobs and economic growth in the capital, unlock the full potential of this key part of the West End, and help build a better, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”
Communities secretary Angela Rayner added: “Oxford Street is one of the most iconic shopping destinations in the world. This marks an exciting new chapter for Oxford Street, creating a greener, more vibrant place that will attract visitors and investment, support businesses and jobs, and drive growth in the heart of our capital.”
Emergency services will have access to the street at all times, while deliveries can be made to retailers in the traffic-free area from midnight to 7am.
Hawkins Brown is also working on a transformation of the wider Oxford Street area up to Tottenham Court Road which could constitute later phases of the project.
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