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 project updates
The next stage of developing the preferred design for Bicester Market Square will commence, following successful design workshops and public engagement events held in early 2025.
The new design concept was influenced by feedback received in engagement sessions earlier this year, including:
- Enhancing pedestrian space
- Improving the town centre connectivity
- Optimising traffic movement
- Avoiding major reduction in parking
Next Steps:
The development of this project will continue to be monitored by our Bicester Area Oversight Group who will work closely with local forums, residents, and businesses to deliver the new area priority plan. In the meantime, survey work will begin to develop a finalised design, with our consultants, WSP over the next few months.
For any questions or to stay updated contact: bicester@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
This design combines the opportunity to increase green space, community space, whilst maintaining essential parking.
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.