‘Oxford Street pedestrianisation should herald an era of more shopping and less schlepping’

The much-mooted pedestrianisation – in part at least – of Oxford Street took a big step forward this week – excuse the pun.

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said he will press on with plans to take traffic off the street “as quickly as possible” after winning “overwhelming public and business support”, along with that of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.

The idea still divides opinion, but fundamentally it’s surely a good one. Big names such as Selfridges and Ikea – which has just made a splash on Oxford Street with a landmark opening – have given it their blessing.

Some of the reasons are obvious. You don’t need to speak long to people about their experience on the famous thoroughfare before they reveal frustrations about its appeal at present: coming out a shop on the street can be a battle simply to avoid being swept away on the human tide flowing past.

Just crossing the road can be a nightmare, sometimes prompting shoppers not to bother making the effort to visit another store only yards away – and so eroding spend.

Oxford Street starts with some strong cards. London frequently tops lists of the world’s greatest cities and shopping is part of its appeal. But the street arguably lags the city’s wider drawing power. To be a success in the long term, pedestrianisation would make a difference but would only be a start.

The street, and indeed the whole district, needs a clear sense of purpose. Despite recent enhancements such as Ikea’s touchdown and the welcome approval – after unnecessary delay – of Marks & Spencer’s redevelopment of its Marble Arch flagship, its pulling power has been dissipated.

Strike out in any direction from the street and there are rival locations with strong and growing appeal. Whether it’s Covent Garden not far to the east or an increasingly vibrant Bayswater to the west, adjacent areas are packing more punch.

“Change is needed and would help Oxford Street live up to its reputation as a great shopping – rather than schlepping – street”

Go further out and there are the Westfield’s twin fortresses at either side of the capital, while areas such as Shoreditch and then Walthamstow have carved out strong appeal for themselves, especially among the youth.

If you look at Time Out’s ‘Top 50 best cities in the world in 2025’, London is listed in fifth place but many of the places mentioned – such as the new V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick (where by the way former John Lewis Partnership customer director Charlotte Lock is now director of audiences) – are not especially near Oxford Street.

With so many great places in the immediate vicinity of Oxford Street, more could surely be done to create a better sense of connectedness to the variety they offer – such as the cafes, restaurants and bars of Soho or the distinctiveness of Marylebone – and to the cultural attractions that abound, such the Wallace Collection. That would help enhance the overall leisure appeal of Oxford Street and its immediate environs, with the benefits for retailers that would bring.

As has been tried out, space for pop-ups that could host independent retailers would also improve the diversity of the street. While trading from more than one location on the mile-long road might make sense from a retailer’s point of view, among shoppers if can create a sense of déjà vu and dissuade trips along a longer strip.

There are some unanswered questions about pedestrianisation, such as how to avoid forcing the unwilling or unable to walk the length of the street and various business and transport practicalities.

But change is needed and would help Oxford Street live up to its reputation as a great shopping – rather than schlepping – street.