In September last year, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced the plans to pedestrianise the city’s famous Oxford Street.
A consultation period on the proposals was then launched in February this year, closing at the start of this month. Work is expected to begin within the next two years.
UKH shared its support for the proposed development, but said hospitality business would play a crucial role in bringing the new area to life, adding the sector must be “at the heart” of the plans.
It added leisure and experience-led businesses are critical to successful high streets in 2025, to cater to the changing behaviours of modern consumers.
Working together
Hospitality in London currently generates £40bn in annual turnover and employs around 600,000 people, with the potential to contribute even more to the capital, if it is properly supported, according to UKH.
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls and managing director of Docklands Restaurants and Bars Julie Gingell, jointly wrote to the Mayor of London to back the plans.
The letter said: “It is our belief that for this to be successful it is imperative hospitality is used to animate the new pedestrianised area.
“When we talk of healthy, successful high streets, one important measure is the diversity created by a mix of hospitality, leisure and retail. All of these are important, and all work together.
Attractive destination
“A mix of hospitality, retail and leisure will help redefine Oxford Street’s offer as an attractive destination for both domestic and inbound tourists. This, in turn, will help boost nearby businesses – be they restaurants, pubs, leisure or hotels.
“It is important we think innovatively about the spaces we’re creating so that hospitality can continue to create places people want to visit and, to do this successfully, hospitality businesses are a key part of curating a successful pedestrianised environment.
“We’re hopeful these proposals can be showcased as a successful case study on how licensing and planning can work together to create a successful, thriving high street.”
