Public realm measures made permanent for Market Street, Oxford

Above: Market Street Oxford viewed from Cornmarket with Jesus College on left and blue flags of Covered Market on right -June 2024

How do councils continue to make science cities attractive places to live in, both for local residents and to attract international talent? How do they look after the heritage of their cities, while allowing them to thrive in the modern era?

Market Street in Oxford, so called because of the centuries old Covered Market, has been the focus of improvements and includes a new gateway to Jesus College and its new building and quadrangle. Designed by MICA Architects, the college was keen that the Northgate project would improve accessibility, study and accommodation facilities while upgrading its retail outlets that face onto Cornmarket and Market Street.

Now Oxford City Council's pedestrian-friendly and cycle improvements to Market Street have been made permanent, following a decision from the Highways Authority, Oxfordshire County Council. It says:

'The change, first introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in spring 2024, was approved to be made permanent by the County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Management at a meeting on 4 September following an 18-month trial which included two public consultation periods. 

'Market Street will now be a permanent pedestrian and cycle zone, with exemptions for specific motor vehicles requiring access, including: 

• Delivery vehicles loading and unloading in marked bays

• Taxis and private hire vehicles dropping off and collecting passengers

• Blue Badge holders

• Patients with mobility difficulties being dropped off or picked up at the Northgate Health Centre 

  
  

'The number of loading bays has been reduced and changed to a parallel layout to increase space for pedestrians and cyclists.  The designation of the street as a pedestrian and cycle zone has allowed more effective use of this reduced amount of space for loading by Covered market traders.  It has also allowed an enhancement to the public realm and a better welcome for people visiting the Covered Market.  

'One loading bay near the health centre has been converted for dual use, providing loading for part of the day and parking for the rest of the day for Blue Badge holders visiting the health centre and nearby shops. 

'During the 18-month trial, Oxford City Council carried out temporary works to improve the street for pedestrians. It now plans further changes for the area as part of the wider Covered Market regeneration project, including improvements to toilet facilities and a new communal space.'

Market Street is an integral part of the Covered Market and its 250-year history. The decision to make the street’s pedestrian and cycle-friendly improvements permanent will ensure it remains that way, says Oxfordshire County Council.

Above: view of urban greening intervention in Market Street - June 2024