Oxfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation on the future of Wantage Market Place, aiming to enhance the area and improve accessibility for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
County council officers have collaborated with the community to explore redesign options for the town centre, aiming to make it a more inviting place for shopping, leisure, and business activities.
While Wantage Chamber of Commerce expressed some reservations, they remain eager to work with the county council on any potential plans.
“The situation has been historically complicated in the West End of Market Place regarding previous consultation processes,” a spokesperson stated. “While we acknowledge that some hospitality businesses benefit from pedestrian areas, the broader impact on West End retailers must be considered, as reduced parking access affects both essential supply deliveries and customer convenience for collections and deliveries.”
“Working with the project team, we recognize that by engaging on behalf of our businesses, we can influence decision-making and actively promote Wantage as a great place to visit and spend time, ensuring a sustainable economic future for our town.”
“We are enthusiastic about engaging constructively with Oxfordshire County Council and all stakeholders in the West End Regeneration and broader regeneration plans for Wantage. Our businesses want to be heard, and we believe their input will be vital in creating the best possible outcomes for our town.”
Wantage Mayor Iain Cameron emphasized, “The town council is keen for our town to be a safe, accessible, attractive, sustainable, and rewarding place to live, work, and visit. Your views as residents or visitors are important in shaping improvements to our Market Place. I encourage you to respond to this consultation by the county council so that future plans reflect a wide range of input.”
The feedback collected will assist in developing a draft design, with plans for further consultation next year. Residents and visitors can participate in the survey via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform, with the consultation closing at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 22.
The survey is supported by two informational drop-in events, allowing the public to learn about the project and meet the team. These will occur on Saturday, July 5, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Vale & Downland Museum and Wednesday, July 9, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Wantage Methodist Church.
Following the feedback, a draft design will undergo another public consultation in 2026, with construction set to begin once additional funding is secured.
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