The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has said he will go ahead and pedestrianise Oxford Street after he has secured “North Korean” support from Londoners.
More of the road will be closed off to traffic in the eastern section between Oxford Circus and Portland Street and also the western section between Oxford Circus and the western edge by Selfridges.
The pedestrianization of Oxford Street will cost £150 million and the changes could take until 2027 or longer.
Speaking to The Standard on Tuesday, the mayor said: “These are North Korean-type results. It’s quite remarkable. Somebody is going to rename me Kim [Jong Un, the North Korean dictator] soon, but I am really pleased and proud.
“In terms of our consultation, almost 7,000 responded – and seven out of 10 support our bold plans to regenerate this iconic street…. I’m impatient to see progress on this street.”
When asked about Oxford Circus, Khan said, “Orchard Street to Great Portland Street may be the first phase.
“I think you have got to phase this street – you can’t do it all in one big bang. We will ask the designers and planners to come up with the proposals, and we will consult on those, and make sure the plans we have for phase one are the best possible plans we can have.”
The Mayor will work with the government and the required legislation will be drafted.
Khan said, “Oxford Street has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life.
“It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
“We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.
“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, said, “We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that’s why we welcome the Mayor of London’s bold proposals to achieve that.
“We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.”
