London’s mayor is facing accusations of attempting to seize authority with his initiatives to pedestrianise Oxford Street, as the public consultation period for the proposed changes draws to a close.
Sir Sadiq Khan, representing Labour, seeks to utilize new planning powers to remove control of the central London area from the Westminster City Council, facilitating the pedestrianisation of the street.
He asserts that the plans aim to unlock the “true potential” of Oxford Street, ultimately creating a “world-class, accessible, clean avenue.”
However, Andrew Boff, the chair of the planning and regeneration committee for the London Assembly, expressed his concerns, stating: “I am quite worried that this is an attempt by the mayor to diminish local residents’ authority.”
The Conservative politician added, “I’m unsure about what exactly he finds unappealing about the leadership of Westminster Council, but proposing these plans against a council that is managed by his own party is indeed puzzling.”
Oxford Street is among the busiest shopping districts globally, attracting around half a million visitors daily on average.
The mayor’s vision involves pedestrianising the segment between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus, with potential restrictions extending further to the east toward Tottenham Court Road, at an anticipated cost of approximately £150 million.
Sir Sadiq has previously expressed his belief that these plans would rejuvenate the area, which has recently faced the setback of major store closures, including Debenhams and House of Fraser.
Efforts to revamp the street have sparked considerable debate in recent years.
In 2018, the council—then under Conservative leadership—rejected plans to pedestrianise the area, citing a lack of support from local residents.
Last January, a “shovel-ready” proposal from the council, worth £90 million, included broader sidewalks, increased seating, and more trees, but did not include traffic restrictions.
Following the general election, the Labour government empowered the mayor with planning authority to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), enabling him to take over control of the area from the council.
In response to this announcement, the current council leader, Labour’s Adam Hug, noted that there were “significant practical challenges” involved.
A consultation regarding Sir Sadiq’s proposals, including the possible creation of an MDC for the area, was initiated in February and is set to conclude on May 2.
On Wednesday, the London Assembly Planning Committee, which will determine whether to oppose an MDC around Oxford Street, heard testimonies from residents feeling sidelined in the discussion.
Tim Lord from the Soho Society remarked, “If there are plans for pedestrianisation, we need clarity on how it would function, its impact on congestion, its effects on those who depend on buses and taxis, and the implications for businesses that require access for deliveries on Oxford Street.”
Sir Sadiq is hopeful that transforming this iconic shopping street will elevate visitor numbers, asserting that the proposals would “help restore this noteworthy area of the capital, support thriving businesses, generate new jobs, and stimulate growth.”
