The Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) will convene its second Board meeting this Friday, marking the next step in moving from establishment to operational delivery.
The principal item on the agenda is the proposed committee structure, including formal approval of a Planning Committee. The Board is expected to approve the establishment of this committee and appoint Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE as Chair. While the Committee can be constituted now, it will only begin exercising planning powers once those functions are formally transferred to the OSDC via the relevant statutory instrument, subject to completion of the parliamentary process.
The Board will also note that the Planning Committee’s Terms of Reference, wider committee nominations, and the OSDC Planning Scheme of Delegation will be brought forward for approval at a future meeting. This timing is intended to align with the date on which the OSDC formally becomes the Local Planning Authority for the Oxford Street Mayoral Development Area, currently anticipated in April 2026.
You can access the papers here.
For a briefing note on the OSDC Board please click here.
Leadership Update
Nabeel Khan has now officially taken up post as Chief Executive of the OSDC, marking a significant milestone as the Corporation transitions from set-up to delivery. His arrival provides permanent executive leadership at a pivotal moment, as governance structures are formalised and preparations continue for the transfer of planning powers.
Alongside this, the Board is expected to appoint Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE as Chair of the newly proposed Planning Committee. A lawyer and business leader with extensive expertise in planning legislation and board governance, and a long-standing advocate for diversity and inclusive leadership.
Three Strategic Working Groups Proposed
In addition to its statutory committees, the Board is expected to approve the establishment of three non-statutory Working Groups to provide sustained strategic oversight across key workstreams:
Design and Place-Making Working Group
Proposed Lead: Caroline Rush
This group will focus on public realm design, street management and operations, environmental performance, safety and security, transport, and community engagement.
Commercial and Events Working Group
Proposed Lead: Keith Edelman
This group will provide strategic input on brand and marketing, income generation, advertising, fundraising, live events and activations, retail and hospitality curation, partnerships and tourism promotion .
Stakeholder Engagement Working Group
Proposed Lead: Kate Willard
This group will oversee stakeholder mapping, consultation strategy and relationship management, signalling the importance of structured engagement as the Corporation begins to exercise statutory functions.
Implications for stakeholders
With a permanent statutory body now in place, Oxford Street’s regeneration has moved decisively into implementation. Engagement with the OSDC’s emerging priorities, governance culture and planning approach will now be central to shaping successful projects in the district.
If you’d like receive regular updates on the OSDC, discuss what this means for your projects, or how our team can help you please get in touch at ysophocleous@conciliocomms.com.
You can also access our Westminster 2026 Elections Report from last September and our OSDC Briefing Note from last month by clicking here.