Architect to be chosen following creation of Mayoral Development Corporation
An entirely new project team will be appointed to carry out Sadiq Khan鈥檚 revived plans to pedestrianise part of London鈥檚 Oxford Street, according to City Hall.
Last week the London mayor announced he wanted to between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.
Khan鈥檚 previous attempt to transform the street into a pedestrianised public space were blocked by Westminster council in 2018 due to concerns over the need to reroute traffic into quieter surrounding streets.
He is now proposing the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation which will have greater planning powers.
This will require a statutory period of consultation and is expected to take around two years, after which 鈥渟uitable contractors鈥�, including an architect, will be appointed to draw up plans for the project, City Hall said. It is understood the mayor is not currently working with an architect on the scheme.
The proposals have received the backing of Angela Rayner, who said the plan would 鈥渄rive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London鈥檚 night-time economy.鈥�
Meanwhile, urban design practice Publica is understood to be no longer working on an alternative 拢90m plan for the street which had been proposed by Westminster council.
The Labour-run council has said it was blindsided by Khan鈥檚 revival of the 2018 scheme, but has said it will 鈥渨ork constructively with the mayor and the government to ensure the best outcomes for local communities, businesses and London鈥�.
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