“I want it to become the world’s leading shopping destination once again. Working with the government, our plans to transform Oxford Street will help create new jobs and prosperity for the capital and the country”, Khan wrote on his social media account.
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Oxford Street has been a beloved retail destination for Londoners & tourists for generations. But it’s suffered hugely in recent years & needs a new lease of life. “With the govt’s support, our plans to pedestrianise and revitalise Oxford Street will return it to its former glory”, he added.
Here’s a sneak peek of what Oxford St could look like in the future 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/0iTTFlYFqr
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 17, 2024
According to the Mayor’s Office, Oxford Street attracts more than 500,000 visitors daily and generates approximately five percent of the capital’s economic output – the equivalent of GBP 22.75 billion in 2019. It is home to numerous flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as being a key commercial center.
These 2017 designs showcase a vision for a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly street. They are now being reimagined for our plans to transform Oxford Street into a beautiful public space.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 17, 2024
“Although Oxford Street remains a vital part of the UK’s tourism, leisure and retail offer, generating revenue for the exchequer that is reinvested across the country, it requires major regeneration. Competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centers, the closure of flagship department stores, and the prevalence of ‘candy stores’ have put significant strain on Oxford Street’s attractiveness, while tourism numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic,” notes an official statement from the Mayor’s Office.
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“The Mayor is determined to re-invent and transform Oxford Street, working with businesses and Westminster City Council to create one of the finest public spaces in the world and making the area substantially greener, cleaner and safer for everyone,” it adds.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)