Bicester traders optimism amid market square revamp

Cherwell District Council has set aside £250,000 for Bicester town centre and a new wider economic plan across north Oxfordshire.

The funding is designed to grow the local economy, create new opportunities and strengthen support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, while building on recent regeneration in Bure Place, Wesley Square, Crown Walk and Pioneer Square.

Bicester Market Square (Image: Cherwell District Council)

Emma Gould, who runs Bicester Friday Market and a picture framing stall, said trade at the Friday market remains generally strong.

“We are always positive about the town”, she said, “Traders on the market do well and it is one of their best days of trading compared to other markets.”

Free parking is her top priority, followed by tidying up the town and utilising the empty units to support small independent businesses.

She says Sheep Street, the town’s main shopping street, has barely changed in more than 30 years, despite pedestrianisation in the 1990s and the £70m Pioneer Square scheme in 2013.

A Bicester Market Square stall for the project engagement in 2025 (Image: Cherwell District Council)

She hopes there can be more community and business involvement, describing last year’s, now standstill, market square development engagements as an “uphill battle” where there “seemed to be a lot of talking but not much action”.

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“As long as we remain positive and continue to invest in our traders and the community the future should look good”, she said, “The wrong type of development and not consulting us or other businesses in the town or over saturation would impact our future.”

Barry Fu, left, of Mizu Japanese Izakaya, Bicester, nominated for Ox in a Box 2026 best restaurant award after 2025 international win (Image: Ed Nix)

Barry Fu of the award-winning Mizu Japanese Izakaya in Sheep Street, said they have noticed a significant difference in trade compared to previous years.

He believes the biggest challenge is the lack of attraction in the town, which is not giving people a reason to visit.

However, he says the recent changes and regeneration works have “helped create a more attractive environment, which is beneficial for the area as a whole.”

He said: “I would like to see continued investment in improving and beautifying the town centre, while also attracting a wider range of businesses and attractions.”

“Reducing the number of empty shops and creating more reasons for people to visit regularly should be a key priority”, he said.

Procurement will start soon, with baseline analysis, stakeholder engagement and a delivery framework to shape future investment, backed by technical surveys to ensure proposals are practical, deliverable and good value for money.

(Image: Cherwell District Council)

Lesley McLean, leader of the council said the approval signifies the council’s dedication to “putting localism at the heart” of what it does.

She said: “We are committed to delivering a stronger and more resilient local economy, where we’re investing in creating vibrant and thriving places and new opportunities for our businesses, residents and communities.”