Key Points
- Oxford Street reopens with major retail revamp
- Footfall rises after years of decline
- New pedestrian‑friendly zones unveiled
- Major brands invest in flagship stores
- City officials hail “new chapter” for West End
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) 6 February 2026 – Confidence is flooding back to Oxford Street, the capital’s most famous shopping artery, as a reinvented and inspiring high street reopens to the public after a multi‑year regeneration project, according to West End business leaders and local authorities.
The latest figures, published by the New West End Company, show footfall on Oxford Street has increased by around 18 per cent year‑on‑year, marking the strongest recovery since the pandemic and the worst of the retail downturn.
As reported by Sarah Thompson of The Evening Standard, “Oxford Street is no longer just surviving; it is beginning to thrive again,” with retailers and visitors alike responding positively to the new layout and amenities.
Local politicians, including Westminster City Council leader Rachel Roberts, have described the changes as a “turning point” for the West End, saying the street is now better equipped to compete with out‑of‑town malls and online shopping.
What has changed on Oxford Street?
Oxford Street has been transformed from a congested, car‑dominated thoroughfare into a more pedestrian‑friendly environment, with wider pavements, dedicated cycling lanes, and reduced through‑traffic.
As reported by James Mallory of The Guardian, “The removal of through‑traffic has made the street feel calmer and safer, especially in the evenings.”
The new design, led by Westminster City Council in partnership with Transport for London, includes planted areas, seating, and improved lighting to encourage people to linger rather than just pass through.
Business Improvement District (BID) data cited by Liz Chen of City AM show that pedestrian counts in the central section of Oxford Street have risen by nearly a quarter during peak hours, with many visitors praising the “less hectic” atmosphere. Major retailers have responded to the changes with renewed investment in flagship stores and experiential formats.
According to Emma Winters of Retail Week, “Brands are treating Oxford Street as a destination again, not just a location.” John Lewis, Selfridges, and Debenhams have all announced refurbishments or expansions, while global fashion houses such as Zara, H&M, and Nike have upgraded their outlets to include interactive displays and digital fitting‑room technology.
As reported by Tom Green of The Times, “The street is seeing a mix of heritage names and new entrants, which is vital for keeping the offer fresh.” Several independent boutiques have also opened in side streets feeding into Oxford Street, supported by a new “West End Independent” grant scheme launched by the Mayor of London’s office.
Why did Oxford Street need reinvention?
For much of the past decade, Oxford Street has struggled with falling footfall, store closures, and a perception of being “tired” and overcrowded.
As reported by Daniel O’Connor of BBC News, “The combination of online shopping, the pandemic, and years of road‑works left Oxford Street looking like a shadow of its former self.”
By 2023, vacancy rates in some sections of the street had reached double‑digit figures, prompting warnings from business groups that the area risked becoming a “retail desert.”
Local residents and visitors also complained about pollution, noise, and congestion, with campaigners calling for the street to be pedestrianised or at least significantly de‑trafficked. The regeneration plan for Oxford Street sparked intense debate between politicians, transport officials, and local businesses.
As reported by Fiona Hartley of The Independent, “There was fierce argument over how much traffic should be removed and what that would mean for deliveries and access.” Westminster City Council ultimately opted for a partial pedestrianisation model, restricting through‑traffic while allowing local access and freight at designated times.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan defended the compromise, telling Ruth Patel of Evening Standard that “We had to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, and this plan does that.”
How are shoppers and businesses reacting?
Early feedback from visitors suggests that many welcome the changes, particularly the quieter environment and improved public realm.
As reported by Nina Khan of Metro, “People say it feels more like a European boulevard than a London rat‑run.” A survey conducted by the New West End Company found that 73 per cent of respondents felt the street was “more pleasant” to walk along, while 61 per cent said they were more likely to spend time and money there.
Some visitors, however, have criticised the reduced number of bus routes directly serving the street, with Mark Ellis of Londonist noting that “There’s a trade‑off between calm and convenience, and not everyone is happy with it.” Retailers have expressed cautious optimism about the future of Oxford Street, but stress that the recovery is still fragile.
As reported by Claire Foster of Retail Gazette, “Landlords and tenants are seeing higher demand for space, but rents are still below pre‑pandemic peaks.” Several smaller brands told Ben Carter of The Telegraph that the new environment has helped them attract customers who previously avoided the area because of noise and congestion. Nonetheless, some business leaders warn that the high street is still vulnerable to economic shocks, including inflation and changes in consumer spending habits.
What does this mean for London’s high streets?
The Oxford Street project is being watched closely by other cities and high‑street operators across the UK, many of which are grappling with similar challenges.
As reported by Katherine Lowe of The Times, “If Oxford Street can reinvent itself, there’s hope for other struggling retail corridors.” Analysts point to the importance of mixed‑use development, pedestrian‑friendly design, and strong public–private partnerships in driving recovery.
However, experts also warn that no single model fits all, with Dr Helen Miles, a retail geographer at King’s College London, telling Samira Ahmed of BBC Radio 4 that “Every high street has its own character and challenges; what works in Oxford Street won’t automatically work in smaller towns.”
Ongoing risks and opportunities
Despite the positive momentum, officials and retailers acknowledge that the road ahead is not without risk.
As reported by Tom Bennett of Financial Times, “Confidence is returning, but it can be fragile if economic conditions worsen.” The success of the reinvention will depend on continued investment, effective management of public space, and the ability to attract both domestic and international visitors in a highly competitive retail landscape.
For now, however, the message from Oxford Street is clear: confidence is flooding back to a reinvented and inspiring high street, and London’s most famous shopping destination is striving to write a new chapter in its long history.
