Plans to transform London’s Oxford Street precinct into a “world-class” shopping destination is one step closer after a public consultation resulted in strong support from local residents and businesses.
Almost 12,000 responses from local residents, businesses and visitors from across the UK were received during the eight-week consultation conducted by Westminster City Council, The Mayor of London and Transport for London between April and June.
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A total of 62 per cent of survey participants say they support the transformation of the area – of which 43 per cent of strongly approved the proposals while the remaining 19 per cent offered their support.
However, 30 per cent did not back the plans and their feedback focused on the need to address transport, accessibility, congestion, and air quality concerns first.
A second consultation period will be held in early November.
To support the transformation programme, 10 detailed work streams are now underway to directly address the range of comments raised during first consultation.
Each project aims to shape the broader plans to ensure the transformation delivers with minimal impact to local traffic, residents or businesses.
Subject to the outcomes of the proposed second consultation, a transition scheme could be in place by the time the Elizabeth train line opens in December 2018 with a full transformation scheme planned to be in place by 2021.
“This is the next step in our efforts to transform the country‘s most famous and economically important shopping district, which is also home to a vibrant residential community,” Westminster City Council deputy leader Cr Robert Davis said.
“We want Oxford Street and the surrounding area to remain the envy of the world and our vision is to create a neighbourhood and outdoor shopping experience that cities across the globe can aspire to. This is an enormous project which many people care deeply about.
“It‘s crucial that everyone knows that we are listening and that they can help shape our plans.”
Bordering Mayfair, Marylebone, Fitzrovia and Soho, the Oxford Street precinct welcomes more than 500,000 visitors every day and is a key commercial centre that helps drives the London and UK economies.
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