Ahead of Oxford Street closing to traffic later this month, local architecture studio East has released its latest renders revealing how the popular London shopping destination will look when pedestrianised.

East is working with landscape architecture studio JL Gibbons and urban design studios Gehl and Publica on the first phase of Oxford Street's transformation, which will span about one kilometre between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.

Renders of the design show wide, walkable streets lined with trees, benches and tables.

East is transforming a one-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street

In preparation for the transformation, traffic on this section of Oxford Street will be stopped on 26 October, with buses, taxis, bikes and cars diverted to nearby roads.

The first phase of the project will involve temporary changes, designed to gather feedback on how visitors and residents use the open space, which will help influence later permanent designs.

"Stopping traffic on 26 October is just the beginning of the process, but from that day onwards we'll start to see a more welcoming and inclusive Oxford Street with new seating, new public spaces and plenty of trees in place by spring 2027," said East director Julian Lewis.

Read: Hawkins/Brown and East to lead pedestrianisation of London's Oxford Street

The rest of Oxford Street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, will be transformed by architecture studio Hawkins\Brown, design firms Aspect Studios and Urban Movement, lighting designer Michael Grubb Studios and heritage consultant Authentic Futures.

The full street transformation, which is expected to be completed by spring 2027, will involve the addition of over 50 trees, two public squares, improved signage, seating and dining tables.

"The first stage of works will see a test phase put in place, which is a vital opportunity for us to learn from people's experiences and work closely with local communities, businesses and accessibility groups to ensure the future street is as welcoming and inclusive as possible," said Nabeel Khan, CEO of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, which is overseeing the pedestrianisation project.

Trees, benches and tables will be added to the pedestrianised street

"I'm delighted that on 26 October the transformation of the nation's high street into a pedestrian plaza will begin in earnest – a world-class space where flagship retail will sit alongside next-generation workplaces, designed to host exciting retail and leisure experiences from sport to fashion and cultural events in the future," added London mayor Sadiq Khan.

"Revitalising Oxford Street will help to supercharge regeneration, boosting jobs and economic growth in the capital and beyond," he continued.

"I can't wait to start delivering these ambitious plans and unlocking the full potential of this iconic area as we continue building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone."

The approaching pedestrianisation comes after Khan's announcement last year that plans were to move forward "as quickly as possible".

Plans for the traffic-free street were previously announced by Khan in 2017, but they were originally blocked by Westminster Council.

The images are by Vincent Atelier.

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