Oxford Covered Market Pre-Planning Application Engagement

We asked for your views on Oxford City Council's proposals to improve the Oxford Covered Market before submitting a planning application. The consultation, which follows on from work with traders, ran from 9 June to 10 July 2026.

The proposals aimed to enhance the market while protecting its historic character and included improvements to entrances, food and seating areas, customer facilities such as toilets and lighting, and the overall visitor experience.

We also asked how often you visit the market, what you use it for, whether you felt the proposals struck the right balance between improvement and heritage, and whether the changes would encourage you to visit and stay for longer. Finally, we invited you to tell us if there was anything you felt had been missed.

Respondents showed strong support for plans to enhance the market, while protecting its unique historic character.

The consultation found that:

• 60% of respondents felt the proposals strike the right balance between improving the market and protecting its historic character.
• Nearly two-thirds (66%) said the proposals would make them more likely to visit the market more often.
• A similar proportion (66%) said the proposed food and seating areas would encourage them to stay longer.
• 74% agreed that the proposed entrance improvements would make the market feel more welcoming.
• Almost 90% supported the proposed improvements to facilities such as toilets and lighting, with 67% strongly supporting these changes.

It also highlighted the important role the Covered Market already plays in city life. Most respondents visit weekly or monthly, with eating and drinking being the main reason for visiting, followed by shopping and browsing.

The proposals form part of the Council's wider ambition to ensure the Covered Market continues to thrive as a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and independent businesses while safeguarding the qualities that make it one of Oxford's most treasured historic spaces.

The consultation also invited respondents to provide detailed comments and suggestions. These responses will now be carefully reviewed alongside the quantitative findings as the proposals continue to be refined ahead of the submission of a planning application, which is expected later this summer.

The planning application will include a full report on engagement to date, and how it has informed the final proposals.

Work is planned to start on site mid 2027, with completion expected in 2029. The Market will remain open throughout with works phased to minimise disruption to traders and the public.