Camden Leader backs Mayor of London plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street
Today [2 April], Camden Council Leader, Councillor Richard Olszewski, joined a London Assembly meeting on the proposed transformation of Oxford Street.
The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee considered proposals put forward by the Mayor of London to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Oxford Street, as well as plans to make the area pedestrian friendly.
Councillor Olszewski joined the panel to outline Camden’s position on the proposals and asks for a partnership arrangement with the Mayor of London to ensure the wider West End is supported and accessible and that local communities can be part of the future development of the area.
We know Oxford Street has struggled in recent years, so we welcome the proposals which could transform the area and the wider West End by increasing visitors, improving air quality, creating more jobs and supporting businesses to thrive.
We are, however, keen to learn more about how these proposals will work in practice so the area can remain accessible and benefit local communities. We are also seeking to form a partnership and set agreements with the Mayor to ensure the MDC can deliver on its objectives, the wider West End is supported and our residents can play an active and full part in its future.
Camden has a strong track record of creating healthy and safe streets for all. From the creation of award winning new public spaces such as Alfred Place as part of the West End Project and the Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood Project which aims to transform Holborn. We are now building on this success through a number of projects that are complementary to the Oxford Street proposals.
We will continue to work closely with the Mayor and other stakeholders on the consultation and developing the proposals, including to ensure these changes can benefit neighbouring areas like Fitzrovia and Holborn.
A consultation on these proposals is open until 2 May: Oxford Street Transformation | Have Your Say Transport for London.