Open City Generational pedestrianisation plans for London's West End and a controversial overhaul of Liverpool Street station
Feb 19, 2026
Christopher Martin, Managing Director and Head of Urban Design at Urban Movement, discusses bold plans to pedestrianise London’s West End and how Oxford and Regent Street link into people-first streets. He explores the contentious Liverpool Street overhaul and missed public-realm opportunities. They also cover the Southbank Centre listing and the debate over Clandon Park’s ruined preservation.
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Design Streets To Drive Local Economies
- Use pedestrian improvements to boost local business and job growth by making streets places to spend time.
- Christopher Martin cites evidence that improved walking environments increase sales and business resilience.
Oxford Street Work Connects Districts
- Urban Movement is working on the Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Master Plan with Hawkins Brown.
- Christopher Martin describes the two projects as district-scale interventions that together make central London more walkable.
Scale Requires Systems Thinking
- Major street redesigns take time because they alter transport networks, servicing and civic systems.
- Martin stresses the need to get buses, deliveries and green and social infrastructure right for once-in-a-generation changes.