Overview
- The traffic-free area will run between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, closing the 0.7‑mile stretch to cars, buses, taxis, cyclists and pedicabs.
- City Hall targets a traffic-free first phase by the end of this summer, with the plaza expected to host public events later this year.
- Emergency services will retain 24‑hour access and servicing will run from midnight to 07:00, while TfL develops bus reroutes for heavily used lines.
- Planned measures include enhanced lighting, CCTV and safety bollards, with reports that TfL is drawing up hostile vehicle mitigation gates and the mayor not ruling out police use of live facial recognition.
- The £150 million scheme is led by TfL and the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, with Hawkins/Brown on design to deliver trees, seating and play spaces.