Oxfordshire County Council has introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing local areas through improved accessibility, and promoting walking, wheeling, and cycling. This effort aligns with the 2024 commitment by both the county council and Wantage Town Council to make Market Place a more accessible and safer environment.
In collaboration with the local community, council officers are exploring ways to revamp the space, making it more inviting for shopping, leisure, and business activities. For information about local business opportunities and activities, consider browsing through our business directory and event listings. Local businesses are encouraged to create a free profile to connect with the community.
Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, expressed her vision for Wantage Market Place as a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for all. Emphasizing the balance between preserving the town’s historical charm and addressing climate challenges, she highlighted the benefits of enhancing walking, cycling, and public transport options to foster a healthier and more inclusive community environment.
The project is currently in its early stages, with public input being sought to guide the development of its design. Residents and businesses are invited to share their thoughts and suggestions to ensure the space is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable in the future.
Feedback gathered will inform a draft design, leading to further public consultation next year. Participation in the survey is encouraged through the council’s digital platform, Let’s Talk Oxfordshire, with the consultation set to close at 11.59 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
To support public engagement, two drop-in events will be held: 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. These sessions provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and engage with the team.
The draft design will undergo another public consultation in 2026, with construction anticipated to begin once additional funding is secured. Additionally, the council is evaluating the possibility of making permanent the temporary pedestrian priority at the west end of Market Place, which has offered outdoor seating and a safer route into Market Place from Mill Street since its pandemic-era introduction.
For more details and to participate in the survey, visit Let’s Talk Oxfordshire’s website.
