East Reveals Updated Renders for Pedestrianised Oxford Street Ahead of 26 October Traffic Closure
East, a London-based architecture firm, has unveiled fresh visuals for a one-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street designated for pedestrians, with work commencing on 26 October. The initial phase, stretching from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, collaborates with landscape architecture studio JL Gibbons and urban design firms Gehl and Publica. This design features expansive streets adorned with trees, benches, and tables, while traffic will be redirected to adjacent roads. This temporary initiative seeks public input for future enhancements. Julian Lewis, director of East, mentioned that new public spaces are anticipated to be available by spring 2027. The comprehensive plan, led by Nabeel Khan, CEO of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, will incorporate over 50 trees and two public squares, aiming for completion by spring 2027.
Key facts
- East released updated renders of the pedestrianised Oxford Street ahead of the traffic closure on 26 October.
- The first phase covers about one kilometre between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
- East is working with JL Gibbons, Gehl and Publica on the first phase.
- Traffic on the section will be stopped on 26 October, with buses, taxis, bikes and cars diverted to nearby roads.
- The first phase involves temporary changes to gather feedback that will influence later permanent designs.
- The rest of Oxford Street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, will be transformed by Hawkins\Brown, Aspect Studios, Urban Movement, Michael Grubb Studios and Authentic Futures.
- The full transformation is expected to be completed by spring 2027 and includes over 50 trees, two public squares, improved signage, seating and dining tables.
- Plans were previously announced by Sadiq Khan in 2017 but were blocked by Westminster Council in 2018.
Entities
Artists
- Julian Lewis
- Nabeel Khan
- Sadiq Khan
Institutions
- East
- JL Gibbons
- Gehl
- Publica
- Hawkins\Brown
- Aspect Studios
- Urban Movement
- Michael Grubb Studios
- Authentic Futures
- Oxford Street Development Corporation
- Westminster Council
- Vincent Atelier
- Dezeen
Locations
- Oxford Street
- London
- United Kingdom
- Orchard Street
- Great Portland Street
- Marble Arch
- Tottenham Court Road
Sources
- Dezeen —