Westminster City Council's Oxford Street Statement
Today’s announcement regarding the Mayoral plans for Oxford Street is a step forward in what has been a long-running issue for London. We all share a commitment in making sure the nation’s high street has a bright future, one that brings benefits locally, regionally, and nationally.
Since the announcement was made last year to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to pedestrianise Oxford Street, we have been working hard to ensure that the voices of residents and businesses are heard. The Mayor’s team have taken on board our feedback and agreed a number of improvements in response to our concerns:
• Recognising the current challenges of pedestrianising the eastern half of Oxford Street, from Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road. The Mayor and Westminster have agreed that the GLA should develop plans to bring forward improvements to the area at the eastern end of Oxford Street.
• The Mayor has committed upfront investment to help fast-track delivery of a high-quality scheme to radically improve the eastern section. This is expected to be aligned to the plans the council had already drawn up as part of its Oxford Street Programme.
• The proposed Mayoral Development Corporation boundary area is now reduced to one block either side of Oxford Street, subject to consultation. The council remains responsible for all services outside of the boundary area.
•Improved security and safety measures to be managed by the GLA together with WCC and the police. Including hostile vehicle mitigation in the area.
•The Mayor has committed, under any future plans to pedestrianise, to consult on the basis that some north/south access will be retained for taxi access. The GLA will also prioritise the introduction of electric buses for displaced routes.
• The Mayor has recognised concerns we raised on behalf of residents and confirmed that he would expect the MDC to undertake freight consolidation
• The Mayor has, in principle, agreed a mechanism that will enable Westminster City Council to retain development funds collected in the area, relating to strategic infrastructure, carbon offset, employment and skills and affordable housing.
The council will now work to ensure these commitments, and future ones, are all recognised in legally binding agreements. The consultation assumes a minimum of three seats for Westminster City Council nominations on the MDC board, ensuring local voices will be heard clearly throughout the lifespan of the programme.
The Mayor has been clear that any future proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street will be consulted on rigorously with all stakeholders, including residents.
Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster Council, said:
Subject to the outcome of the Mayor’s consultation, our role is to ensure that the Mayor's proposed Oxford Street Transformation delivers for local communities, as well as for London.
“We have already fought hard to secure numerous improvements from the Mayor of London to ensure that any plans for Oxford Street are deliverable and meet the needs of local residents, businesses, and wider London. We seek to work pragmatically with the Mayor's team to ensure a bright future for the nation’s high street as well as for our residential communities and businesses.”
UPDATE - 7 May 2025
The council has submitted its response to the Mayor of London’s consultation on the proposed Oxford Street Transformation.
The council’s response is available here:
Published: 28 February 2025
