A drawing of how Oxford Street could look

COUNCIL chiefs have approved £7.7million worth of spending on design work in their hopes of restoring Oxford Street’s reputation as the “nation’s high street”.

Cabinet members agreed the next move on Monday night and it comes as Westminster signs a deal with the New West End Company, which represents 600 businesses, on a public-private venture aimed at finding the cash for the overhaul.

Construction work is expected to start in autumn next year.

The plans cover the entire 1.8km length of Oxford Street from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road with features including improved footways, greening and seating.

Junctions joining the street, including at Oxford Circus, will be redesigned to create more space for pedestrians and the council will install 12 new controlled pedestrian crossings as well as improving 45 existing crossing points.

Cabinet member Councillor Geoff Barraclough said: “After years of abandoned schemes, we are now about to finally get under way with a deliverable plan to breathe new life into Oxford Street.

“With the support of our partners at NWEC, we now have a coalition of the council, retailers, landowners, and others in place to develop a practical but also ambitious plan.

“The West End constantly needs to adapt if it is to continue to be a draw to shoppers.

“The buzz is definitely back on Oxford Street with brands like IKEA and HMV taking up space in Oxford Street, and the prospect of new galleries and arts spaces will make it a great all-round experience.”