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Market Street reopens following pedestrian-friendly improvements đ¤Š
We have completed the main work on improvements to Market Street, designed to make it more pedestrian-friendly during an 18-month trial period.
The improvements include:
- Upgraded surfaces, expanded footways, the installation of new cycle racks, and the addition of outdoor seating and planting to boost the attractiveness of the Covered Market and increase its foot traffic.
- A decrease in the number of loading bays, paired with heightened enforcement of parking regulations to ensure compliance.
- rearranging the remaining loading bays to improve safety and use the available space more efficiently Â
- the ability to temporarily close the street for events, markets or other uses to make the most of public realm improvements for as wide a range of people as possibleÂ
Construction was undertaken by the Councilâs direct services company ODS, with the help of a ÂŁ50,000 contribution from Oxfordshire County Council.Â
Vehicle access to the Covered Market service yard for traders and to the Northgate Health Centre entrance for Blue Badge holders, has been restored.
We would like to hear your view on George Street
Marick Real Estate Ltd, our development partner for 38-40 George Street, is holding a public exhibition on Wednesday 15 May to present proposals for the regeneration of the site.Â
Plans for the site include a premium Staycity âWildeâ brand Aparthotel and a new community space, delivered by Makespace Oxford, which will be suitable for a wide range of community activities, and some public realm enhancements. Â
Marick and its partners would like to hear your views and encourage you to come along to find out more, meet the team.
The event will run between 11am-7pm in the Theatre at the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ.Â
Proposals for the plan will be available to view and comment on between Wednesday 15 May and Wednesday 29 May 2024 via the projectâs dedicated website below. Â
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Local Plan 2040 set for public hearingsÂ
Planning inspectors have scheduled initial public hearings on our Local Plan 2040, which will take place at Rose Hill Community Centre between Tuesday 11 June and Thursday 13 June. Â
The inspectors will decide whether the Local Plan 2040 meets with national planning policy and other legal requirements. Initial hearings will look at three issues:Â Â
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whether the plan follows procedural and legal requirementsÂ
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whether weâve complied with the duty to cooperateÂ
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whether the plan is positive and meets national planning policy in assessing Oxfordâs needs and capacity for delivering new homesÂ
The hearings will be open for the public to observe and will be livestreamed.Â
 A design for life
Last month we welcomed Homes England on a visit to some of our affordable housing sites. These included Northfield Hostel, where OX Place is set to start building the first of 61 council and shared ownership homes soon.Â
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Northfield Hostel is also the first site for our #OxfordNeedsHomes hoarding, which tells the story of council housing in Oxford from 1920 until now.
If you're in the area, why not drop by and have a look?Â
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Enjoy a sunny weekend ahead âď¸
Get ready for a warm and sunny weekend! Remember to keep yourself cool and hydrated during the forecasted heat.
Donât forget to explore Oxford's wonderful parks and green spaces đ
Whether it's a picnic in South Park or a stroll along the River Cherwell, Oxfordâs green spaces all over the city offer a perfect escape during sunny days. For ideas, check out our Go Active Outdoors for families page.
Are you looking for a refreshing swim?
Our leisure centres, including Oxfordâs beloved Hinksey Outdoor Pool, are perfect for cooling off safely. If you're aged 16 or under and reside in postcodes OX1 to OX4, you can swim for free during specific sessions. Visit our website for details (please note that free swimming isnât available at Hinksey on weekends).
Are you thinking about wild swimming? đââď¸ Then please plan ahead and do your research. The Oxford Water Safety Group have produced a Wild Water Code to help people better understand the risks involved. Check them out below.
Museum of Oxford launches workshops and talks for 80th anniversary of D-dayÂ
The Museum of Oxford is hosting a new educational workshop for primary schools and an original talk on âOxfordshireâs contribution to D-Dayâ to commemorate the 80th anniversary.
The new workshop, titled "Home Front in Oxford", is aimed at local primary schools and invites pupils to uncover the lives of ARP wardens, war workers, and evacuees in Oxford through hands-on activities using original artefacts.
The talk, by local historian and tour guide Brian Lowe, will examine how efforts in the city and county contributed to the success of the Normandy Landings. Â Tickets for the talk, which will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 5 June, are available now.
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No Mow May and Oxford's green grass verges đž
Did you know that over 700 species of wildflowers grow on verges, accounting for nearly 45% of the UKâs total plant diversity?Â
Over the past few years, we have been trialing different approaches to grass verge cutting in a handful of âno mowâ pilot areas across Oxford to support biodiversity. Â
Last year, Oxfordshire County Council introduced a new verge maintenance policy, with a single cut each year. We also implemented this approach across all of Oxfordâs verges.
This year, following feedback from residents, and budget decisions announced by both councils, we have updated our approach and will be cutting highway grass verges twice a year during the summer and autumn. This means we are taking part in #NoMowMay, helping support biodiversity across our city.
Nature needs a variety of different habitats and food sources, including a range of grasses and wildflowers, and other vegetation, maintained at different lengths throughout the year to thrive. Cutting twice a year allows wildflowers to complete their full lifecycle, which typically takes six to eight weeks.
The exception to our updated cutting schedule is eight Oxford roads that formed part of our original 'no mow' pilot, which will be cut once a year and this has been found to increase biodiversity.
We will also continue to mow grass verges near junctions where visibility is required all year round. You can report any concerns about grass verges impacting visibility on FixMyStreet.
Be part of No Mow May đ
By not mowing all or some of your green space, you can help Oxfordâs precious wildlife and enjoy the sights and sounds of blooming and buzzing!
If you have already left all or part of your lawn unmown from the beginning of the season, that is great!
This means that you have let a mini meadow grow and are likely to have a much higher variety of flowers in your lawn if you choose to. But donât worry if youâve not left your lawn unmown at all or have recently mown it â itâs committing to leaving your lawn, whether all of it or some of it, unmown for longer which is important.Â
Why download the free No Mow May poster to let others know youâre joining in â thereâs even a colour-in version for children. đ¤Š
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An update on the Gasworks Pipe Bridge
This project is entering its final stages.
The âabove waterâ work has been completed, ensuring the stability of the bridgeâs steel structure, and marking a significant milestone in the project. Although the bridge looks as if it could be opened there is still work to do.
Now, our focus shifts to the crucial task of repairing the bridge abutments - the brick piers on either side of the river that provide essential support to the bridge. Ensuring their integrity is paramount for the safety of the bridge.âŻ
The bearings on which the bridge sits will be replaced. Now the bridge is secured it can be lifted to allow for these bearings to be removed and replacements installed.
We must first strengthen the ground around the bridge so that it can safely support the weight of the lifting devices - a significant weight of around 37 tonnes.
Over the coming weeks, our team will work diligently to carry out the necessary repairs. The bridge will then undergo thorough inspections to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and quality.âŻ
The programme remains on track to be completed in the summer, subject to site conditions not presenting delays.
We will publish further updates on progress. We are committed to delivering a refurbished bridge that not only serves its functional purpose but also safeguards the heritage of our community.âŻ
We would like to extend our gratitude to all residents for their cooperation and support throughout this project.
Consultations
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Neighbourhood Area and Forum redesignation applications
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires Neighbourhood Forums to reapply every five years.
The Wolvercote Neighbourhood Forum and Summertown & St. Margaret Neighbourhood Forum have submitted applications asking to be redesignated as a Neighbourhood Forum.
This consultation will close on 3 June 2024.
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Proposed pedestrian improvements for Woodstock road
People who use Oxfordâs busy Woodstock Road (A4144) are invited to share their views on proposals designed to improve public transport and make walking, cycling and mobility-aided access safer. đ
From Wednesday 8 May until Wednesday 5 June, Oxfordshire County Council is asking for peopleâs views on the Woodstock Road Sustainable Travel Improvements Scheme.
The council is proposing changing the travel direction of an existing bus lane, as well as a number of active travel improvements to help improve bus journey reliability and make the road safer for everyone using it.
The feedback gathered will help inform a county council cabinet decision on whether to approve the work.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 June 2024.
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Stay Connected:
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@OxfordCityCouncil
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@OxfordCity
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@oxfordcitycouncil
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