Oxford Street pedestrianisation project receives public backing
A consultation addressing the project found that around seven in ten parties supported Khan's transformation plans, while two-thirds specifically approved of the pedestrianisation proposal. The consultation drew 6,642 responses, according to a press release from the Mayor of London's office.
Businesses in the Oxford Street area have also welcomed the plans. Selfridges' executive director, Meave Wall, said the company was 'hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing', while John Lewis' managing director, Peter Ruis, said the retailer believes 'pedestrianisation will create a vibrant, thriving shopping environment'. John Lewis and Selfridges support proposals
In her own statement, Dee Corsi, CEO of New West End Company, which represents 600 West End businesses, said the results were 'an important step forward in the transformation of the nation's high street', adding that a 'considered transformation' would 'enhance the area, bringing significant economic benefits to Londoners and the wider UK economy'.
Khan introduced proposals to update the Oxford Street area earlier this year as part of a wider 'transformative' 90 million pound public realm scheme for the shopping street. The project hopes to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and the rise of online shopping, which have both put Oxford Street in a precarious position, resulting in the mass closure of stores and a drop in footfall.
His plans, which largely revolve around pedestrianising the section of road between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus up to Great Portland Street, intend to boost retail and drive growth, while also attracting more national and international visitors. The project will further contribute to the progress of the recently published London Growth Plan, a 10-year growth strategy introduced by Khan.
The Mayor will now work with the government to arrange necessary legislation for a Mayoral Development Corporation dedicated to regenerating the area. This is to be established by January 1, 2026, while detailed traffic and highway proposals will also be developed.
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Daily Mail
6 hours ago
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Telegraph
11 hours ago
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Metro
11 hours ago
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Piper also loves the 'freedom' of being able to try out new places, in a similar way that many young Londoners do, too. 'Living in New York is so fun, you get to explore new neighbourhoods and that really just marks different chapters of your life,' she reflects. 'I do love the fresh energy of coming into a new place. When my toilet breaks or something happens, I just call my repair person, and they come and fix it for me. It's incredible.' She feels that there's a hidden luxury to renting, as she wouldn't be able to afford to buy the type of home she's living in. In fact, she'd rather just rent and 'not deal with the hassle.' 'I don't think that homeownership is the same badge of approval or stamp of success as it was once was,' she says. 'It used to mean that you were stable, but rent is so expensive in these metropolitan cities, it is more glamorous and sometimes, it's equally as impressive to live where you want, even if you're renting.' This isn't just an NYC thing: many in the UK have similar sentiments. While her friends around her rush to get on the property ladder, 25-year-old Kathryn Loosley still isn't convinced. Kathryn loves her life in London, and though she's currently paying £1,100 for her room in Tooting, she's not sure if buying is entirely worth it. 'My boyfriend and I want the freedom to move around. We'll really need to think hard about whether it's worth it or not,' Kathryn tells Metro, noting that seeing her peers struggles to buy have put her off. Kathryn says that renting currently affords her a decent amount of disposable income, which gives her the freedom to enjoy her lifestyle 'without feeling the financial burden of homeownership,' something she feels is important for 20-somethings. 'We're tied into rent as you would be with a mortgage, but we don't have any overheads in repairs. We know what's going out each month and can allocate the rest to enjoying London, whether that's eating out, fitness classes, or escaping for a European weekend break,' she adds. 'I'm so happy we're not being tied into a house at this age.' According to a survey conducted by SpareRoom in March 2025, while 62% of under-30s expect that they will buy a property at some point in their lives, 11% don't think they will. And, amid the uncertainty – and inaccessibility – of the housing market, 28% are unsure either way. For much of the younger generations, plain 'hard work' isn't enough anymore. While grandparents recall stories of saving up for a house relatively quickly, prospective homeowners these days are often having to rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad, a privilege that those from working-class families often cannot access. Breaking from the debate entirely, though, is a group of people who, like Kathryn, don't want to buy a home at all and refuse to buy into the idea that homeownership is the ultimate housing goal. Of those who feel they won't ever get on the property ladder, SpareRoom's findings showed that 11% actively said that they prefer renting, while 15% need the flexibility to move at short notice, So, why is the UK so obsessed with the holy grail of homeownership in the first place? In 2021, one YouGov study suggested that owning isn't universally valued globally. While 62% of Britons said that it was a goal they'd already accomplished, it was hardly a number one priority in places like Germany, where housing policy has often encouraged people to rent. Here, two in five (42%) had no intention of buying at all. Dr Marc Schelhase, a lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King's College London, explains that the British fixation on home ownership is actually a relatively recent development. After the Second World War, government housing policy focused on universal access to quality housing where communities could thrive – seen in the vision of the prefab homes, many of which were given as social housing to returning soldiers. Then came Right to Buy under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, which saw tenants in social housing encouraged to buy their own homes. And of course, the many challenges of the UK rental system have some people desperate avoid landlords. The Renters' Rights Bill is designed to make things better for tenants, but it's been in the works for years and won't become law until 2026. Focusing on ownership isn't always a helpful mindset though, as it can distract from the government's responsibility to build and maintain social housing – and potentially underplay the idea that some renters might just not be interested in buying. We just need a fair rental market that works. As Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, tells Metro, it's an increasing trend we're seeing in renters – and it's not just Gen Z, but a number of demographics. More Trending 'Flexibility has become a significant priority, with many choosing to rent as it offers the freedom to relocate for career opportunities or personal reasons without the commitment and potential restrictions that come with owning a property,' Marc shares. And while getting on the property ladder is generally interpreted as a positive financial commitment, Marc feels that not everyone sees it that way. 'With the cost of living, inflation, and the unpredictability of the housing market, some see renting as a way to maintain financial fluidity and avoid long-term debt,' he concludes. 'This trend isn't restricted to younger generations either; we're seeing it across a range of age groups, from professionals who value mobility, to those nearing retirement, who want to avoid the financial burdens that often accompany homeownership.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Londoners are flocking to my beloved hometown — but there's one problem MORE: What I Own: We paid £125,000 for our London houseboat — we charge our lodger £1,200 a month MORE: MPs being landlords would be comical if it wasn't so offensive
