Harrods has submitted plans to remove the Egyptian-themed escalator and busts of former owner Mohamed al Fayed, accused of sexual abuse, as part of a wider refurbishment of its Grade II* listed Egyptian hall.
According to Sky News, the department store’s filing notes that the escalator “explicitly celebrates Mr al Fayed, including sixteen huge sculptures of his face,” describing them as “a visual reminder of his misdeeds.”
The planned redevelopment follows feedback from survivors of alleged abuse by Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94.
Harrods said: “Having heard feedback from survivors, we have been working to expedite the proposed redevelopment project of the Egyptian escalators, and a planning and listed building consent application has now been submitted.
“Any proposed changes in store require considered plans, lengthy assessments, and close work with a number of relevant authorities.”
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The store is Grade II* listed, meaning all alterations must go through formal planning and heritage assessments.
The announcement comes as more than 100 individuals have entered Harrods’ abuse compensation scheme, which opened in March 2025 and runs until March 2026.
The scheme offers payouts of up to £385,000 plus treatment costs and extends to those closely connected to Fayed’s role at Harrods, including employees of his private airline Fayair.
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate historical allegations of sexual abuse and the possible involvement of facilitators or enablers during Fayed’s tenure.
Harrods’ current owners have expressed that they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations and have apologised to survivors.
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