Pedestrianization of Oxford Street: Prevent local opposition from transforming the country's prominent shopping avenue
Let's Get Oxford Street Steppin' unveils a vision that'll benefit the nation as a whole. We can't let petty politics sabotage it, argues Ben Johnson
Oxford Street casts a £25bn annual yield - accounting for 1% of the UK's entire GDP - from a humble 1.2 miles of roadway. Home to retail giants, venerable stores, and souvenir shops, Oxford Street holds more weight for UK prosperity than many medium-sized towns or cities. It cries to be treated as a national treasure. Instead, it's burdened with local hassles.
The decline of Oxford Street as a destination over the past decade is an open book, and pandemic-accelerated trends like increased online shopping, work-from-home norms, and altered consumer behavior have made it worse.
The champions of our nation's high streets have truly given their all, but they're handcuffed. The New West End Company has arduously labored, despite numerous obstacles. Yet the fundamentals of Oxford Street weep out loud – overcrowded sidewalks, disjointed public spaces, hamstrung by clutter and pointless street furniture. Over a hundred different landlords own stakes in the street, many stashed behind shell companies with veiled international identities, leading to the proliferation of low-end, transient, even sketchy businesses. In contrast, Regent Street, largely controlled by the Crown Estate, glows with cohesion and quality.
Politics plays its dirty tricks too.
Local obstruction to the blueprint
Oxford Street marks the intersection of local governance and national importance, and it's suffered the consequences. It's mistaken to blame NIMBYism, though that's part of the problem. The root issue springs from local councilors shaping the fate of the country's high economic asset through short-sighted electoral tactics, catering to the votes of a few hundred residents in Westminster's heavily commercial district.
Sir Sadiq Khan's ambitious plan for pedestrianization received initial backing from the Conservative council in 2017. However, politics shifted, and they got cold feet, fears of impending defeat looming over the City of Westminster Council for the first time in its history. The shiny vision was replaced with superficial plans reliant on a questionable "the mound" project.
After a political change in 2022, resistance remained. Labour's new administration promised residents prior to the election that they would uphold the Conservative policy of impeding pedestrianization. While keeping promises is evidently praiseworthy, one wonders whether issues of national economic significance should be dictated by local politics.
Oxford Street's Neon Dream - Pedestrianization
That's why Angela Rayner's endorsement of a Mayoral Development Corporation is crucial. This mature solution empowers the Mayor to take a holistic view of London's needs, focusing on its main commercial districts. It's a win-win-win proposition – the Deputy Prime Minister scores a win on growth, the councilors find cover to step aside, and the Mayor seizes an opportunity for a signature project.
The case for pedestrianization is robust. It orders Oxford Street's offer, proposes a radical makeover of public spaces, and envisions a memorable experience for visitors. A mix of world-class retail, hospitality, and leisure – a journey, not just a shopping spree.
But the battle is far from over. The Mayor is gathering public feedback, and opposing voices will remain loud. Yet, this is a unique chance to restore Oxford Street's grandeur as the pulsating heart of the capital – not just a commuter route, but a destination worth pausing for.
If you're game, make sure your voice is heard before the consultation wraps up on May 2.
Ben Johnson is a director at Blakeney and a former advisor to the London Mayor
Perks of Pedestrianizing Oxford Street
Pedestrianizing Oxford Street is suggested to yield significant advantages, including:
- Revamped Shopping Experience: Pedestrian-friendly environments can draw more foot traffic, encouraging longer stays and potentially boosting local businesses.
- Cleaner Air: The reduction or elimination of vehicle traffic can improve air quality, improving health for both shoppers and nearby residents.
- Enhanced Safety: Pedestrianization can result in lower incidences of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.
- Urbane Revitalization: It can facilitate urban rejuvenation and boost the area's attractiveness for investments and tourism.
Present Situation of the Initiative
Currently, plans to part-pedestrianize Oxford Street are under public review, culminating on May 2, 2025[4]. During this consultation, the public can offer feedback on the proposed modifications. However, specific information about the pedestrianization details, such as bus re-routing and cyclist access management, remains sketchy. Mayor Khan faces criticism due to the absence of concrete details in the proposals. Residents and local politicians question the practicality and essentiality of such a project, labeling it a "futile vanity project"[2][5].
- The pedagogue Ben Johnson argues against petty politics hindering the vision to pedestrianise Oxford Street, a high-value economic asset generating £25bn annually.
- Politics has played a part in the declining status of Oxford Street, with local councils prioritizing short-term electoral gains over its national importance.
- In 2017, Sir Sadiq Khan's pedestrianisation plan garnered initial conservative support, but political shifts led to the plan's abandonment.
- The newly elected Labour administration in 2022 pledged to uphold the conservative policy of inhibiting pedestrianisation, despite its potential benefits for the nation's prosperity.
- Angela Rayner's endorsement of a Mayoral Development Corporation is crucial, as it could empower the Mayor to take a holistic view of London's needs, including the revitalization of Oxford Street.
- Critics argue that the plans for pedestrianising Oxford Street lack concrete details and label it as a "futile vanity project", but the public has until May 2 to offer their feedback and shape the future of this vibrant high street.
