Oxford agrees to £7m refurb of historic Covered Market

Oxford City Council has approved an investment worth nearly £7m to regenerate the city’s historic Covered Market.  

A funding package of £6.87m will go towards the Grade II-listed building project, after the council cabinet agreed to the move yesterday.  

The market, which originally opened in 1774, will see its High Street and Market Street entrances revitalised, as well as larger inside seating areas and a pedestrian-friendly Market Street.  

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said the investment was necessary to protect the future of ‘one of the city’s most unique features.’ 

She continued: ‘We want more people to come and visit Oxford’s Covered Market and spend more time there when they do.   

‘Shopping habits have changed and towns and cities are changing as a result, with less pure retail and more multi-purpose destinations. Markets are making the same changes, also evolving to encourage visitors and attract a wider demographic to ensure they meet customers’ needs and expectations.   

‘There are a number of examples around the country of extremely successful market regeneration projects, where sympathetic changes have revitalised existing spaces and made them ‘must-see’ destinations. Learning from them and working with market traders, experts and local residents, we have built an exciting masterplan for the covered market which I look forward to seeing delivered.’ 

The step from the High Street into the market will be removed to make it more accessible for people with different and additional needs, while planters, seating and outdoor stalls will also be placed outside the market entrances on Market Street.  

A new communal space will also be created which will function as a public square during the day and a flexible event space at different times.

Oxford City Council held consultations with market traders, residents and other stakeholders to inform its ‘masterplan’. A trial of extended market opening hours was also held in July and August which proved to be popular.  

70% of traders said they were interested in extended opening hours, while 70% of the public said they would visit more often if the market was open later and there were more food and drink venues.  

The council has already invested £3.1m into the market to cover ongoing roof works for the next 60-80 years and internal refurbishment.  

Photo by Toa Heftiba