London's plan to pedestrianise and restrict car traffic on Oxford Street advances with the appointment of leading architectural firms and the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation, aiming to revitalise the iconic shopping destination by 2026.
London’s ambitious plan to restrict car traffic and pedestrianise part of Oxford Street has moved decisively forward, driven by Mayor Sadiq Khan’s vision to revitalise one of the capital’s most iconic shopping destinations. City Hall recently appointed the renowned architectural firms Hawkins Brown and East to lead the transformation, described as a “transformative” project intended to enhance the street’s appeal and make it a more welcoming public space for shoppers and pedestrians alike.
The scheme involves establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), a special body tasked with overseeing the complex redevelopment. Mr Khan has formally requested the communities secretary to create this corporation, which is set to be established by the start of 2026. This organisational approach underlines the scale and importance of the initiative, signalling a long-term commitment to reshaping Oxford Street’s urban fabric.
Oxford Street is often criticised for its overcrowded and congested environment, exacerbated by heavy traffic and a retail sector in flux. The appointment of Hawkins Brown and East, firms with notable experience in high-profile urban projects, including New York’s Times Square and London’s own Bond Street, brings a deep pool of expertise to the city. Julian Lewis, director of East, emphasised the symbolic and practical significance of Oxford Street as a critical urban hub, while Hawkins Brown partner Darryl Chen expressed excitement about contributing to the street’s next chapter as it adapts to changing retail dynamics.
The Mayor’s plan has garnered significant public and business support, bolstered by a recent consultation in which nearly 70% of Londoners and commercial stakeholders supported pedestrianisation. Prominent retailers such as Selfridges, John Lewis, and Ikea have publicly welcomed the proposals, recognising the potential benefits for footfall and overall economic growth. Mayor Khan has stressed the urgency and importance of implementing changes “as quickly as possible” to help restore Oxford Street’s status as a global shopping and leisure destination.
The initiative follows a series of steps that have gradually shifted control and responsibility towards the Mayor’s office. Last autumn, Westminster City Council transferred management of Oxford Street to Transport for London, removing a critical obstacle to traffic restrictions. This administrative shift is paving the way for phased pedestrianisation, with early targets aiming for completion around 2026 and possibly extending into 2027 or 2028.
In September 2025, a trial traffic ban on a half-mile stretch of the street between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street was launched. Dubbed “This is Oxford Street,” the trial closed the road from noon to 8pm and showcased the potential benefits of a car-free environment, including increased space for shopping, social activities, and outdoor events. Mayor Khan described the trial as a crucial first step in “recapturing” the street’s vibrancy after years of decline.
Despite widespread backing, the plans have faced opposition, notably from Westminster City Council, which raised concerns about the impact of rerouting buses and potential disruptions to local traffic. The London Assembly holds the power to veto the establishment of the Mayoral Development Corporation, although such a veto would require a significant majority, including members of the Mayor’s own party, making it a challenging prospect.
The broader objective behind the traffic ban and pedestrianisation is to not only improve the shopping experience but to position Oxford Street as a world-class public space that reflects London’s dynamic and evolving urban culture. Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman praised the design teams for their creativity and experience needed to reimagine this iconic high street, referencing their involvement in other landmark urban renewal projects.
As the initiative progresses, it represents a bold attempt to reconcile the demands of modern retail with sustainable urban living. The creation of a pedestrian-friendly Oxford Street is expected to stimulate economic activity, reduce pollution, and offer a safer, more attractive environment for both Londoners and visitors. With key milestones approaching, including the formal establishment of the MDC and further stages of pedestrianisation, the project stands as a major step in the city’s wider commitment to tackling congestion and promoting greener transport options.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (Birmingham Mail) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12
- [2] (The Guardian, June 2025) - Paragraphs 4, 6, 10
- [3] (The Guardian, September 2025) - Paragraph 8
- [4] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 7
- [5] (The Guardian, September 2024) - Paragraph 9
- [6] (London.gov.uk) - Paragraph 6
- [7] (ITV) - Paragraph 6
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in the Oxford Street pedestrianisation project, with references to events from June and September 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 17, 2025, from The Guardian, reporting on Sadiq Khan's commitment to pedestrianising Oxford Street 'as quickly as possible'. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/17/oxford-street-pedestrianised-soon-as-possible-mayor-sadiq-khan?utm_source=openai)) The report also mentions the establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) by early 2026, aligning with the timeline in the narrative. The inclusion of updated data, such as the trial traffic ban in September 2025, justifies a higher freshness score. However, the narrative's reliance on earlier reports and the absence of new, exclusive information suggest a moderate freshness score. Additionally, the narrative includes a reference map with links to various sources, indicating a synthesis of existing information. The presence of multiple references to The Guardian and other reputable outlets suggests that the content is not recycled from low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score due to its timeliness and direct information from official sources.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Mayor Sadiq Khan and other stakeholders. The earliest known usage of similar quotes is from June 17, 2025, in The Guardian, where Khan stated, 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life.' ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/17/oxford-street-pedestrianised-soon-as-possible-mayor-sadiq-khan?utm_source=openai)) The wording of the quotes in the narrative matches those in the earlier publication, indicating potential reuse of content. However, the inclusion of updated quotes from September 2025, such as Khan's statement about the trial traffic ban being a 'glimpse to what the future could be like,' suggests some originality. The variation in wording between the June and September quotes indicates that the narrative incorporates new information, albeit with some overlap.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a reputable regional newspaper. It references multiple reputable organisations, including The Guardian, Evening Standard, and London.gov.uk, enhancing its credibility. The inclusion of direct quotes from Mayor Sadiq Khan and other stakeholders further supports the reliability of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a plausible account of the ongoing efforts to pedestrianise Oxford Street, aligning with known plans and public consultations. The mention of a trial traffic ban in September 2025 is consistent with previous reports, such as the one from The Guardian on September 21, 2025, where Khan described the trial as a 'glimpse to what the future could be like.' ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/21/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-says-traffic-ban-trial-is-start-of-fightback-to-rescue-oxford-street?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of updated data, such as the establishment of the Mayoral Development Corporation by early 2026, adds credibility to the narrative. The tone and language used are consistent with official communications from the Mayor's office, further supporting the plausibility of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides a comprehensive overview of the Oxford Street pedestrianisation project, incorporating recent developments and direct quotes from key stakeholders. While it synthesises information from multiple reputable sources, the reuse of earlier quotes and the reliance on existing reports suggest a moderate level of originality. The inclusion of updated data and references to official plans enhances the credibility and plausibility of the narrative. However, the lack of new, exclusive information and the potential recycling of content indicate a need for further verification.
