Major improvement plan for Oxfordshire town’s market place

Oxfordshire County Council will be launching a new consultation for Wantage Market Place from midday on Wednesday, June 10.

Although the new designs have not yet been published, fears have been expressed in the past that they will see the central hub at least partially pedestrianised.

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The county council’s member for transport said the plans are not final but that the local authority wants to make it a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business.

In addition, the council said the plans are aimed at supporting business by improving loading facilities and at encouraging sustainable travel including walking, wheeling and cycling.

Gareth Epps said: “It was wonderful that we received such a wealth of feedback and inspiration from so many people last year.

Western part of Market Place (Image: Ed Nix)

“I am delighted to see how this has been realised in a draft design to support better active travel opportunities and create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible town centre in Wantage, which is safer for residents and visitors.

“We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas, as well as support an increase in the size of the market and enable more community events.

“I am very much looking forward to hearing how people find the designs and what adjustments can be made.

“We are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.”

Councillor Gareth Epps (Image: Councillor Gareth Epps)

The survey will run for four weeks from June 10 to 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 8.

In addition there will be two drop in events for the public to learn more in person.

These will both be at The Beacon on Portway between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, June 13, and 5pm and 8pm on Tuesday, June 16.

Wantage Market Place (Image: Newsquest)

The council added: “Feedback will help to identify any possible amendments that should be incorporated into the final design.

“The improvements will be delivered in two phases – construction on the West End is expected to begin in Autumn 2027, while the Market Place construction is anticipated to start once funding has been secured.”

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The funding for the first phase has come from Oxfordshire County Council funding and the local Community Infrastructure Levy, money contributed by developers building locally.

Meanwhile funding for the second phase will be considered during the summer once the designs have been finalised.

The new proposals follow last year’s consultation on Wantage Market Place in which residents were asked about its future.

Although there was some enthusiasm for the overall idea, fears about a loss of parking were raised including by local businesspeople.