A group of more than 150 businesses in Soho are pushing to have the area pedestrianised, following Sadiq Khan’s plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street. The Soho Business Alliance (SBA) has written to the Mayor and the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, advocating for Soho to be included in the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
The Mayor’s plan to establish an MDC would give him additional planning powers and the ability to override Westminster City council. The council has expressed outrage at the proposal, with Council Leader Cllr Adam Hug outlining 10 key concerns in an open letter to the Mayor and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
In the SBA’s letter, chairman Rupert Power highlighted the need for Soho to be included in the MDC, citing issues such as poor lighting and lack of space for activities like outdoor dining. He emphasized the importance of Soho’s inclusion in the MDC to ensure that the area can thrive alongside Oxford Street.
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg of Westminster City council strongly opposed the proposal, stating that it would create a nightmare for residents. The council plans to fight the proposal, believing that the majority of local businesses do not support the SBA’s plan.
The Mayor’s office has indicated that plans for a consultation on the MDC are still being developed and that a consultation is expected to take place in early 2025. Westminster City council is yet to provide a comment on the matter.
