Kirstie Allsopp has taken aim at Sir Sadiq Khan over his controversial plans to spend an £150million banning cars from Oxford Street.
The Location, Location, Location presenter argued the huge sum should instead be used to tackle litter and improve green spaces across the capital.
On social media, Ms Allsopp wrote: “Lord Khan plans to spend £150,000,000 on pedestrianising Oxford Street.
“Imagine how amazing London would look if that money was spent on clearing litter and nurturing green spaces, even the smallest ones, so much good could be done with that much money.”
The proposed transformation would remove motor traffic from a central section of the famous shopping destination, with buses and taxis among the vehicles expected to be diverted.
The first phase, running from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street, has been budgeted at £150million, according to documents published by the London Assembly.
Supporters hope the scheme will breathe new life into Oxford Street by creating a pedestrian-friendly shopping and leisure destination featuring additional seating, greenery and space for outdoor events.
However, the plans have faced concerns from residents and accessibility campaigners over the removal of buses and taxis, as well as the potential for displaced traffic to move into surrounding streets.
Ms Allsopp’s criticism divided social media users, with some agreeing that the money could be put towards more pressing problems affecting Londoners.
One person suggested: “Or finding a way to convert empty office buildings into some form of accommodation/half-way house for the homeless — giving them an address to begin the journey of starting again.”
Another agreed that the reported price tag appeared excessive, writing: “£150m is a ridiculous sum to pay for a street that is a shadow of its former glory.
“Not sure about litter picking but there must be multitude of worthwhile projects the sum of which would much more beneficial for London.”
A third critic accused the Mayor of prioritising appearances over his responsibilities, claiming: “Khan is only interested in vanity projects not actually doing the job he is paid to do.”
However, other users challenged Ms Allsopp’s assessment and argued that the scheme could produce significant economic benefits for the capital.
“Pedestrianisation is the key to success Kirstie! Shocked you don’t get that,” one person responded.
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Another took a swipe at the Channel 4 presenter’s television career, writing: “Have you factored in how much revenue the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will bring in though?
“Planning a major city is not quite as easy as doing a bit of crafting on the telly box you know.”
A third added: “Pedestrianising part of Oxford Street will bring in an increased income while your suggestion does the opposite, it increases councils costs.”
The Mayor has argued that the transformation is necessary to reverse Oxford Street’s decline and restore its status as a leading international shopping destination.
The street attracts around half a million visitors every day but has suffered a series of high-profile closures in recent years, including the loss of former flagship stores such as Topshop and House of Fraser.
Following a public consultation, City Hall said the proposals had received majority support from Londoners and businesses.
Announcing plans to press ahead, Sir Sadiq said he wanted to “rejuvenate Oxford Street” and establish it as “a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue”.
Major retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis and Ikea have backed efforts to revive the shopping district, believing the transformation could attract visitors and encourage further investment.
The project is being overseen by the Oxford Street Development Corporation, a new body established by the Greater London Authority.
Supporters have pointed to successful pedestrianisation projects in locations such as New York’s Times Square and Barcelona’s La Rambla as examples of how removing traffic can help revive struggling areas.
Reuters previously reported that the Government believes the plans could increase tourism, stimulate investment and create jobs.
However, Allsopp’s intervention has reignited the debate over whether £ 150 million should be spent on transforming one of London’s most famous streets or divided between smaller projects across the capital.
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