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The Iconic Oxford Circus Will Be Pedestrianised By The End Of 2021

Updated: Jul 16, 2021

If you're excited about this year's leafy makeover of Regent Street (click here to take a look), there's more sustainable tree planting and greenery to come to central London, yay! And it's literally just around the corner! The Westminster City Council has revealed plans of turning the iconic Oxford Circus into "London’s front door" with two pedestrian-friendly Italian-style piazzas that will bring the buzz and excitement back to these famous streets.


To take full advantage of the Elizabeth Line (hopefully) opening in 2022 and the area’s connections to the wider West End and beyond, the reinvention of the nation’s favourite high street is a vital step towards the ambitious plans of reviving Oxford Street and its wider District into a forward-facing, world-leading urban space.

A bird’s eye view of the new Oxford Circus (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)
A bird’s eye view of the new Oxford Circus. (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)

The Circus will be surrounded by large seating areas and newly planted trees, supporting local businesses severely affected by the pandemic and instilling much-needed confidence in the West End.

By prioritising people over vehicles, the pedestrian-only piazzas at Oxford Circus will also improve security, accessibility, air quality, safety, reduce congestion, boost the efficiency of bus journeys across the area, and overall deliver a world-class visitor experience.

Oxford Circus looking west into Oxford Street. (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)
Oxford Circus looking west into Oxford Street. (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)

The"car-free" plans are linked with Westminster City Council’s "Greenways" project, which aims to enhance the experience of cyclists in the borough and across the Oxford Street District. This vision is designed to respond to the massive changes to working patterns and shopping habits accelerated by Covid-19.

Section through the two new Piazzas either end of Oxford Circus (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)
Section through the two new Piazzas either end of Oxford Circus. (Image credit: Publica, via westminster.gov.uk)

To reimagine the world's biggest high street greener, smarter future while ensuring "world-class" designs, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an open International Design Competition and will select the final scheme. We cannot wait! Click here for more details.


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