The first of a series of engagement events on the public realm enhancement project for Bicester Market Square took place last week.
Published: Thursday, 18th July 2024
Organised by Cherwell District Council, with its regeneration and public realm consultant WSP, the event on Thursday, 11 July, attracted many local town centre businesses who shared their insights, aired their concerns, and began collaborating with the project team.
There was a focus on listening to businesses. This included discovering how they use Market Square and what they felt was needed to transform the space into a more attractive, accessible, and user-friendly area for businesses, residents, and visitors. The project emphasises the council's commitment to shaping town centres and ensuring they are fit for the future.
Councillor Lesley McLean, deputy leader of the council and responsible for regeneration, said: “We are keen to work closely with our local businesses to make Bicester an attractive destination, supporting the local economy and creating space for the community. This project requires an inclusive vision, and the input received from both the business and wider community is invaluable in guiding this process.”
Ian Boll, Corporate Director of Communities and David Thompson, Project Director for WSP, commented: "Our joint goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive space that reflects the unique character of Bicester. Engaging with local businesses is crucial to understanding the needs of those who work here. We are grateful to local businesses for their constructive feedback and look forward to developing ideas from the event."
Local businesses who attended the event appreciated being asked to contribute. Graham, owner of Dragonflyframing said: "The event was a great opportunity for us to voice our opinions and hear about the transformational approach to Market Square firsthand. It’s so important that local businesses and residents are engaged, and their views recorded and considered, so that any improvements to Market Square fulfil and enhance business needs and give the town opportunities to maintain its character and purpose and attract more visitors to the area. It’s great to see the council and WSP involving us in this process."
The initial ideas behind Market Square are at a very early stage and based on the original work undertaken which outlines a commitment to retaining some parking, through traffic and enhancing walking and cycling connections and routes. More informal engagement with businesses and community groups is planned over the summer to listen to their views and help understand these ideas further.
During September, additional engagement events will bring together young and older people and cycling, walking, and vulnerable user groups to gather their insights. Alongside this, there will be an event for all stakeholders and residents interested in Market Square, and drop-in sessions to engage with the project team, learn more and provide additional feedback. Dates and venues are being finalised and will be shared in the coming weeks. The council will use the planned engagement activities to help form the design proposals and shape what improvements could be made to Market Square with the aim to use the funding available for implementation in the future.
The project seeks to re-energise Market Square, transforming it into a versatile public space. This will include an improved public realm, lighting and planting. It will also offer more opportunities for a ’café culture’, events and complementary market stalls to the main market on Sheep Street. Any future proposals will form part of a wider joined up approach to Bicester.
The goal is to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Bicester town centre and support businesses and the local economy.
Residents and businesses keen on staying updated can sign up to receive news about the project by visiting www.cherwell.gov.uk/bicester-market-square