First look at 250-year-old market redevelopment plan

A first look at plans to regenerate a 250-year-old market in the centre of Oxford has been unveiled, with work on the project set to begin next year.

Oxford City Council first had its £8m proposals to redevelop the city's Covered Market approved in 2023, and now says the work will begin in 2027.

The authority said the works would "deliver essential upgrades to the 250-year-old building, while respecting the unique history, charm, and legacy" of the site.

It said it was currently meeting with the market's traders to discuss the project's "next steps" and expected impact on businesses.

Alex Hollingsworth, the council's planning and culture chief, said: "The Covered Market has been at the heart of the city for over 250 years, and we know how important it is to Oxford."

He added that the "infrastructure upgrades" were required due to "given the age and continued use of the building".

In the updated plans for the building, a new open area containing seating and additional retail space have both been incorporated into the redevelopment designs.

Construction on the project is expected to start in 2027, and is predicted to last about 18 months, the council said.

It added that the market would remain open throughout the works, and that any trader affected by it would be offered an alternative location in the market in the meantime.

"The agreed £8 million plan has been worked up with input from traders, heritage bodies, and all relevant stakeholders over the last few years," Hollingsworth explained.

He added: "This is an exciting moment in the market's history and our best chance to make sure it gets the upgrades and attention it needs to last another 250 years."

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