Oxford Street in London has officially begun its transformation into a pedestrian-only zone. On Monday, 26 October, the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) and East unveiled the first phase, closing nearly a kilometre of the iconic thoroughfare between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. The change marks the start of a transition phase, with ongoing construction set to reshape London’s most famous shopping district.
Design and Transition Phase
London-based firm East leads a team including J&L Gibbons, Gehl, Publica, Etude and NRP in developing the pedestrianisation scheme. The architects will remove road markings and introduce new seating, planting and signage during the transition period. Feedback from residents, accessibility groups, businesses and transport partners will inform later phases, allowing real-time adjustments to the design.
The temporary design features a textured stone “river” surface to guide pedestrian movement, interrupted by larger pavers where north-south streets cross. New green timber and steel benches are positioned based on flow patterns, with metal seats offering multiple sitting options and timber areas (“barges”) designed for those stopping to explore. Sensors embedded in the furniture will track usage and movement, shaping the permanent layout.
Julian Lewis, East’s director, emphasized the street’s historical energy, comparing it to the literary descriptions by Virginia Woolf and Henry James. “We design to preserve and support this energy,” he said, noting that the transition phase allows public testing of the new space. The team aims to maintain connectivity across the street, creating a “ribbon” effect from Hyde Park Corner to St Giles Circus.
Greener Urban Design
Environmental considerations are central to the plan. Trees will be planted in sculptural pots until ready for permanent installation, addressing heat island effects, carbon capture and biodiversity. Two public squares will emerge in early 2027 near Holles Street and Duke Street, marked by level footways that signal distinct spatial zones along the street.
The test phase aims to ensure inclusivity, with Khan stressing the importance of learning from community input to make the final design welcoming for all.
Construction of the permanent pedestrianised section is slated to begin in late 2027, with completion expected by 2028. The project aligns with broader West End regeneration efforts, as noted by Darryl Chen of Hawkins\Brown, who called the closure “but the start of a programme of transformation.”
Related Post: Zaha Hadid Foundation Reopens London Building to Public
Long-Term Vision and Regional Impact
The Greater London Authority appointed East and Hawkins\Brown in December 2025 to develop a long-term design vision for Oxford Street, extending from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. This broader plan complements the initial pedestrianisation phase, aiming to integrate the street into a cohesive West End transformation. London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan stated the closure marked the “end of decline” for the area, signaling renewed investment and activity.
BBC News reported the milestone, noting the removal of Christmas lights from John Lewis department store as the final display against a backdrop of buses and traffic. Darryl Chen of Hawkins\Brown emphasized the closure as the beginning of a wider programme of change, linking Oxford Street’s evolution to improvements across its ecological network of side streets and neighbourhoods. The first phase is expected to wrap by spring 2027, setting the stage for subsequent developments.
East’s Vision for a Connected Urban Environment
East, an award-winning architecture and urban design practice based in east London, brings three decades of experience to the Oxford Street transformation. The firm has built an international reputation for creating effective public spaces, drawing on extensive work across London and Europe. Their approach emphasizes integrating streets into broader neighbourhood networks.
“As we set aspirations and benchmarks for the whole street including its ecology of side streets and neighbourhoods, we’re looking forward to an Oxford Street that works as well as it can for as many as it can,” the team stated. Directors Julian Lewis, Judith Lösing, and Dann Jessen lead East’s efforts, which extend to projects in areas like Kentish Town, Whitechapel, and Wood Green. Their expertise in large-scale urban planning informs the evolving design strategy.
Community Engagement and Environmental Benefits
Data from sensors embedded in seating and furniture will guide adjustments during the transition phase, ensuring designs reflect real-world usage patterns. These areas will open in the coming year, offering rest points and visual markers along the pedestrianised corridor.
The designs aim to improve air quality and biodiversity through strategic greenery, with rain interception capabilities and enhanced urban ecosystems. Sensors will also monitor environmental metrics, supporting the project’s climate-resilient goals. The initiative aligns with London’s broader sustainability targets, integrating ecological and social objectives into public space design.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation and East will continue to monitor the project’s progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure the pedestrianisation scheme meets its goals. The team will work closely with the community, taking feedback and using it to inform the design. By doing so, they aim to create a lively and inclusive public space that benefits both locals and visitors.
