The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is convening the inaugural meeting of the Oxford Street Development Corporation Board, marking a major milestone in plans to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading destination for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.
Following overwhelming public and business support – with around 7 in 10 backing the Mayor’s regeneration plans and two-thirds supporting pedestrianisation – detailed proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street are now open for consultation until 16 January.
The Mayor’s ambition is to create a vibrant, people-focused space that boosts London’s global reputation and drives economic growth. Latest data shows retailers racing to secure space ahead of the transformation, with Savills forecasting a record number of retail launches by the end of 2026.
The OSDC was formally established on 1 January 2026, following legislative approval and London Assembly support in July 2025. Today’s meeting at City Hall will set priorities for delivering this landmark regeneration.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:
“Today’s meeting is a major milestone in our work to revitalise the nation’s high street and create a truly world-class leisure destination.
“Bringing the diverse knowledge and insight of our new Board members together with Nabeel Khan’s regeneration expertise will help us to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential, as we continue building a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
The OSDC Board brings together leading figures from law, design, retail, hospitality, infrastructure and local government, including:
- Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE – Lawyer and diversity advocate, former British Retail Consortium Board member.
- Es Devlin OBE – Award-winning stage and set designer, champion of immersive art in public spaces.
- Keith Edelman – Former Arsenal FC Managing Director, experienced in major property and leisure projects.
- Emir Feisal – Specialist in transformational change, with senior public sector roles.
- Asma Khan – Renowned restaurateur and UN World Food Programme chef advocate.
- Caroline Rush CBE – Former CEO of the British Fashion Council, credited with elevating London Fashion Week globally.
- Kate Willard – Chair and CEO of Thames Estuary Growth Board, expert in infrastructure strategy.
- Howard Dawber OBE – Mayor’s Deputy for Business and Chair of London & Partners, with extensive Canary Wharf experience.
Local authority leaders Richard Olszewski (Camden) and Adam Hug (Westminster) will also sit on the Board, alongside proposed representation from the New West End Company.
The Mayor has appointed Scott Parsons as OSDC Chair and Nabeel Khan as Chief Executive. Khan brings expertise in urban planning and regeneration, including the delivery of Lambeth’s acclaimed Kerbside Strategy and top national rankings for council housebuilding.
The Board will meet again in February 2026 to advance plans for Oxford Street’s transformation.
Image credit: iStock
