A design company has been commissioned by the city council to pilot the creation of a “pedestrian friendly space” outside the Covered Market.
Oxford City Council revealed a £6.8 million masterplan earlier this year which intends to provide a boost to the historic market which will attract more shoppers to its independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
The plans include transforming the market’s entrances to the High Street and Market Street and a new space is set to be created through the pedestrianisation of Market Street.
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Covered Market traders expressed fears to the Oxford Times that the pedestrianisation could hike up delivery costs and force business owners to change the “logistics” of how their supplies are delivered.
The temporary trial, which could start as early as spring next year, seeks to “reimagine a section of the road to allow space for outdoor seating, market stalls and planters during daytime hours”.
City council leader Susan Brown said: “The trial of a new layout on Market Street for more Covered Market seating and pop-up stalls is an exciting development for the whole city centre.
“Urban Movement have designed award-winning public spaces in other cities and I’m looking forward to how they will work with traders, local businesses and city centre visitors to create a new feel for the area.”
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Ms Brown said that when the council consulted last year, 81 per cent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the pedestrianisation of Market Street would encourage more visitors to the market.
However, business owners have said the plans “could lead to chaos”, with all the traders having to receive deliveries at the same time.
The council confirmed that access for motor vehicles to part of Market Street will be restricted in the daytime, but cargo bikes and cyclists will still be able to use the street.
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Urban Movement, which will oversee the project, has worked on award winning public spaces and transport projects in London, Manchester, Brighton and Glasgow.
Christopher Martin, co-founder and director of Urban Movement, said: “We are thoroughly looking forward to working with the council, traders, and the people of Oxford to reimagine what Market Street can be, now and in the future, to better serve the city.
“This trial has the power to help us discuss, test, and refine the best ways forward in creating a modern part of the city centre, committed to delivering better quality of life whilst being rooted in fantastic history.”
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The council said the masterplan was created by Gort Scott Architects and a multi-disciplinary team of heritage, transport and environmental experts.
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