Bicester Market Square FAQs
Your questions answered
Why do we need to improve Bicester’s town centre (Market Square)?
Market Square is the heart of Bicester, and its improvement represents an exciting opportunity to bring lasting benefits to the community. This investment can create jobs, draw more visitors, and energise Bicester’s economy, supporting local businesses and residents alike.
Our aspiration is to create a connected town centre with well-marked pathways, improved accessibility, and welcoming spaces that everyone can enjoy. By enhancing Market Square, we aim to ensure it remains a vibrant and inclusive hub for generations to come.
Where did the plans for improvement come from?
Currently, there are no finalised plans or visuals. Previous ideas stemmed from a 2019 workshop led by retail expert Bill Grimsey, resulting in the ‘Reimagining Bicester Town Centre Outline Plan.’ This plan is now outdated, and we are beginning fresh engagement to reimagine the square’s future based on current needs.
What are the aspirations/vision for Market Square?
The plans for Market Square aim to reshape it into a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Bicester community. The project aims to create a welcoming environment that honours Bicester’s rich history while integrating enhanced green spaces, improved accessibility, and areas dedicated to community events and local businesses.
Who is developing the plans for improvement?
The project is led by Cherwell District Council in collaboration with Bicester Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council working with the community to achieve a bottom-up approach.
How can residents, businesses, and stakeholders contribute?
We encourage everyone’s input and are committed to ongoing engagement with the community to ensure a wide range of ideas and perspectives are heard.
The Bicester Market Square: Have Your Say survey runs from 20 November 2024 to 29 December 2024 and offers a unique opportunity to share your thoughts and shape plans for Market Square. You can participate online or pick up a paper copy at Bicester Library.
In addition, there are two scheduled public engagement sessions where you can meet the project team and share your thoughts in person:
- Tuesday 26 November at Bicester Library (10am to 4pm)
- Friday 29 November at Friday Market (9am to 3pm)
We look forward to hearing from you!
For further updates, visit the website or email us at bicester@cherwell-dc.gov.uk