Westminster approves new Oxford Street strategy

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 29, 2018

The new Oxford Street strategy proposing to overhaul the area with 96 projects across 87 streets has been approved by Westminster City Council’s cabinet and will be put out to public consultation in November.

The plan includes proposals for major improvements at Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Cavendish Square, based on careful considerations to determine what makes each place so special and what needs to be done to enhance its heritage.

Ultimately, the goal is to emphasise the character that makes the shopping district unique and help it stand out as a leading destination over other domestic and international rivals.

The new strategy was presented after plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street were dropped by Westminster City Council due to lack of public support.

Instead of proposing to make one of London’s most used streets traffic-free, the new strategy includes different solutions for over 87 streets and spaces in nine zones. The city council is planning on setting aside £50 million each year for the next three years to turn the strategy into reality.

Richard Beddoe, cabinet member for Place Shaping and Planning, said: “As proud custodians of the Oxford Street District, Westminster City Council is determined to make sure it retains the crown as the nation’s high street in the face of huge challenges and online competition.

“Everyone recognises that a major overhaul is urgently required. That’s why we have a new district wide plan with over 90 different projects proposed across 85 separate locations. Our new game changing strategy sets out just what needs to be done so that the district keeps its edge as a great place to live, work and remains a 'must visit' destination. The area’s ongoing success is key to generating prosperity, employment opportunities and wealth for the capital, as well as the country.”

The public consultation will run from 6 November to 16 December 2018 with a series of exhibitions across the area.