The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has convened the first meeting of the newly formed Oxford Street Development Corporation Board, marking a significant step in plans to transform one of the capital’s most famous streets.
The Mayor’s vision aims to create a world-class destination for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events, with a focus on pedestrianisation and revitalising the high street. Around seven in ten Londoners have expressed support for the wider regeneration plans, while two-thirds back the idea of making Oxford Street largely car-free.
A public consultation on the detailed pedestrianisation proposals is open until 16 January 2026. Meanwhile, retailers are moving quickly to secure space ahead of the redevelopment, with Savills predicting a record number of new openings on Oxford Street by the end of the year.
The OSDC Board brings together a wide range of expertise from retail, property, leisure, fashion, music, theatre, media, law, and politics. Board members include Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford, a prominent lawyer and diversity advocate, and Es Devlin, an acclaimed stage and set designer known for large-scale theatrical and musical projects.
Keith Edelman, a business executive and former managing director of Arsenal Football Club, joins the board alongside Emir Feisal, a specialist in transformational change, magistrate, and Family Court judge.
The board also includes Asma Khan, the celebrated restaurateur behind London’s Darjeeling Express, Caroline Rush, former chief executive of the British Fashion Council, and Kate Willard, chair and CEO of the Thames Estuary Growth Board.
Representatives of local authorities include Richard Olszewski for Camden and Adam Hug for Westminster. Howard Dawber, the Mayor’s Deputy for Business and chair of London & Partners, and Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company, have also been appointed to advisory roles.
Retail veteran Scott Parsons has been named chair of the board. Parsons has extensive experience managing major London projects, including Westfield and Landsec developments, and has supported businesses through the challenges of Covid-19.
Nabeel Khan, formerly director of Growth and Environment at Lambeth Council, has been appointed chief executive of the OSDC. Khan brings experience in urban planning, economic development, and mixed-use regeneration, including the creation of the UK’s first multi-storey light-industrial workspace.
The board’s inaugural meeting, held at City Hall, focused on shaping a shared vision for Oxford Street and setting key priorities for the transformation. The next board meeting is scheduled for February 2026.
Sadiq Khan said the meeting represented a “major milestone” in efforts to revitalise the nation’s high street. He emphasised that the board’s expertise would help unlock Oxford Street’s full potential, creating a safer, more welcoming, and commercially thriving destination.
Nabeel Khan described the opportunity as “once-in-a-generation,” highlighting the importance of balancing commercial success with public access and cultural vibrancy.
Dee Corsi said the corporation acknowledged Oxford Street’s vital economic and community role, adding that long-term strategic change was now the priority.
Scott Parsons said the project presented an opportunity to “put a world-famous icon back on the map” and expressed his excitement at working with the Mayor, Khan, and the board to deliver a transformative plan for Oxford Street.
