September 1st 2023
Details of the £4m Bicester regeneration project unveiled
Long-term plans to regenerate Bicester Market Square are set to take a major step forward next week as a new traffic scheme and public space will be constructed.
On Monday 4th September Cherwell District Council will begin the process of appointing professional town centre regeneration consultants to start drafting and designing the new plans that will help add some vitality to the Oxfordshire town.
The long-term project, which includes plans to create a brand-new traffic scheme and public space that has been confirmed to be used for a number of different reasons with specifics yet to be announced.
Consultants will also be working alongside local Bicester businesses and residents to agree on the best approach for transforming the area.
Plans are benefitting from £4.25m of Cherwell District Council’s capital budget, which will be partially funding the scheme and other funds have come from a government grant for infrastructure in Bicester.
According to the local authority, the sole focus of the project is to ‘create a high-quality public space with numerous uses and attractions that encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Bicester town centre and support businesses and the local economy.’
In addition to the new regeneration project helping to make the town centre appear better, it should also be beneficial for business. Since the cost-of-living began, smaller shopping and seaside towns have reported a significant loss in sales which will be having a severe impact on their local economy.
Councillor Donna Ford, the district council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: ‘We aim to create a public space that becomes a focal point for Bicester town centre, which is visually appealing and packed with cultural experiences and events that act as a magnet for more residents and visitors.
‘These are exciting times for Bicester and Cherwell as we look to invest significantly in a project that will make a real difference to the town’s look, feel and success.’
Image: EJ Yao
Revised planning applications proposed for a major Bristol regeneration scheme