Shaping the Heart of Bicester
Market Square
Market Square lies at the heart of Bicester’s rich history and plays a vital role in its community life. Our goal is to elevate this cherished space, making it a welcoming space and environment for those who use it now and in the future.
Market Square: Concept designs and next steps
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on the future of Market Square. Your feedback has played a key role in shaping the next stage of this important project.
Following our public engagement in November, we developed three concept designs based on community input. These designs explore different ways to enhance Market Square, focusing on:
- Road Layout - Managing traffic and access around the square
- Parking - Ensuring convenient car and cycle parking
- Community Space - Creating better areas for events, gatherings and leisure
We discussed these concept ideas during our public engagement sessions in January. Based on technical assessments and ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, one concept design will now be refined.
Next Steps:
- We are now refining one concept design.
For any questions or to stay updated contact: bicester@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Together, we’re shaping the future of Market Square.
Sign up: We are asking residents, businesses, community groups and those with any interest in the Bicester Market Square, to sign up for updates on our project.
Objectives
Be fully inclusive
- Promote and integrate walking, cycling, buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
- Provide for all ages, abilities and demographics.
Improve safety and connectivity
- Improve connectivity to surrounding lanes and car parks.
- Enhance links to the town centre, for example; Bicester Village, Bicester Avenue, Bicester Gateway, Bicester Motion and both railway stations.
Celebrate Bicester’s heritage with sensitive, cohesive design
- A sensitive heritage focused design that enhances Market Square.
- Consider opportunities for arts projects, including the potential for a war memorial.
- Ensure a consistent heritage look and feel within Bicester.
Create a destination that everyone can use and enjoy
- Develop flexible spaces for the community to enjoy events and activities.
- Consider technology and how it can enhance visitor/user experience.
- Improve lighting and highlight focal points, to help improve night time experience.
Support Bicester’s local economy
- Continue to develop both day-time and nighttime economy.
- Consider current and future parking within the town centre to accommodate growth.
- Provide access and loading for local businesses.
Protect and enhance the natural environment
- Incorporate planted areas to create visually appealing and accessible green spaces which enhance the town centre and its buildings.
- Create shaded, protected and comfortable resting places.