OXFORD STREET IS FINALLY GETTING ITS £90M FACELIFT

Plans to give Oxford Street its much needed glow up are now available for public viewing.

The Oxford Street Programme aims to make the street more attractive and user-friendly by increasing space for pedestrians amongst other things. Westminster City Council has said the plans will improve safety for pedestrians, as well as providing better lighting, more green areas, and seating. The consultation is open until 31 August, with work to be completed in 2026.

Previous plans to revitalise the street were scrapped when Labour took control of the council in May 2022. The Conservatives had earmarked £120m for the revamp, but when Labour took over, they said the failed Marble Arch mound project - which cost £6m, three times over budget - meant they had to revise the budget. The council said £90m would now be invested in the project. It added that if the consultation is successful, the project will be delivered through a public-private partnership.

The plans cover the entire one-mile (1.8km) street, from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch. The plans were developed in collaboration with the New West End Company (NWEC), which represents 600 retail, restaurant, hotel, and property owners across the West End. Public consultations are also being held on new ideas and proposals for Regent Street, Paddington and Bayswater and Shepherd Market.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, the council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

The West End constantly needs to adapt if it is to continue draw shoppers from around the country and around the world. We need to innovate and ensure we can offer a top-class experience for everyone.

‘I want Oxford Street to be a place local communities, residents, visitors and businesses can feel pride in.’