Oxford Street pedestrianisation is a win for London

The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will create a new a public realm where it is anticipated that people will enjoy the new space, stay longer and spend more, says Andrew Busby The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is the most radical project to hit the West End in decades. Almost a kilometre of the nation s high street, from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, will be closed to all traffic, including buses and taxis. After years of debate, it happens just in time for the busiest Christmas shopping period. Retail veteran Peter Ruis highlights the need, pointing out that surrounding streets have stolen much of the footfall from Oxford Street. He told City AM, “Now with the pedestrianisation, I think for all retailers, there s going to be lots and lots of opportunity to do more innovative things because I think it was just so difficult before, with issues around theft, traffic, and safety”. The economic theory is simple. Nabeel Khan, chief executive of the Oxford Str