UK's busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into ‘world-class' tourist attraction
THE UK capital could see big changes this summer amid the Mayor's plans to regenerate Oxford Street and introduce Al Fresco dining across the city.
Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise the famous street in central London, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe and which includes popular destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis and more recently, Ikea.
These businesses have also backed the plans which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London.
The Oxford Street area would include see the pedestrianisation of the main shopping roads, currently busy with buses and taxis.
Traffic and highway proposals will be developed and consulted on later this year.
A new report published by the Mayor of London found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners are in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
"We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue.
"This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.
"Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone."
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, added: "We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change."
In addition to the new plans for Oxford Street, the Mayor has also revealed that a number of different areas in London will gain al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer.
Dubai Ice Cream
Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End will all gain outdoor dining for the summer months, after the Mayor has been granted licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital's nightlife.
In Westminster, the widely popular al fresco dining programme that was seen during the pandemic will return on St Martin's Lane in the West End.
The street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm and al fresco licenses will be available available for up to 34 businesses.
Plans will be developed in the coming months to make this permanent.
In Shoreditch, for the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight.
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Both streets will be car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
In Brixton, there will be 400-square-metres of outdoor dining space for around 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats for businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road.
Running on selected weekends, the roads will become car-free zones until 10pm, with daytime activities including food markets, art workshops and live music.
In Leyton, Francis Road will extend its car-free hours and boast seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market.
The £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will ultimately enable areas across the city to open-up to more guests across longer hours this summer.
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The hope is that the scheme will also be expanded in the coming years.
Sadiq Khan said: "The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead.
"London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive.
"With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more - working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these."
Also, London's newest tourist town in 'forgotten' district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar.
Plus, the exact time to get a free performance from huge Hollywood star on London street EVERY night this summer.
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