London’s famous shopping street Oxford Street is to be partially pedestrianised. “A revitalised, pedestrianised Oxford Street would increase visitor numbers, create new jobs and stimulate growth in London and across the UK,” shared the mayor’s office of the British capital.
According to the plans, a 1.1-kilometer-long section between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch will be completely closed to traffic. The section could later be extended eastwards. The reconstruction is expected to cost around 150 million pounds (178 million euros) and is expected to be completed by 2027.
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There is already a driving ban from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with exceptions for buses and taxis. In future, no vehicles will be allowed to drive there.
The conservative opposition accused Mayor Sadiq Khan of the social democratic Labour Party of waging a campaign against drivers. There was also criticism of the fact that elderly or disabled people and employees had to rely on buses and taxis. The large department stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis, on the other hand, were optimistic.
Like many other shopping streets, Oxford Street suffered from the effects of the corona pandemic. Around 500,000 passers-by are now counted again every day. However, some shops are empty. In addition, cheap shops and souvenir shops have opened up, which is damaging the exclusive image.
“Oxford Street was once the crown jewel of British retail, but there is no doubt that it has suffered enormously over the past decade,” said Khan. “Urgent action is needed to breathe new life into the country’s most famous high street.” The minister responsible, Angela Rayner of Khan’s Labour Party, backed the plans.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240917-930-234707/1
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