Bicester town centre in line for £4.25m makeover, says council

The local authority is looking for experts to help design the revamp but it also wants to hear ideas from residents

A town centre is to benefit from £4.25m to "re-energise" its market square, a council has said.

Cherwell District Council in Oxfordshire plans to use the government grant funding to transform the heart of Bicester.

The local authority is looking for experts to help design the revamp but it also wants to hear ideas from residents.

A formal consultation will be held to finalise plans later in 2024.

Councillor Donna Ford, member for regeneration, said: "We're hoping to rebalance and re-energise the market square to create a town we can all be proud of where more people want to come and spend time."

'Short-term' disruption

She believes getting people to spend longer in Bicester would be good for business.

One idea the council has for the market square would see it become a space for community events.

Ms Ford said this idea was inspired by the town's recent Armistice Day Parade in November.

The overall reaction from residents towards the planned investment has been positive, according to the council.

Angela Connelly, owner and founder of Oréa Salon, said: "It's fantastic news that things are moving ahead.

"The regeneration... was the reason we chose to open our salon in market square as [it will make it] more desirable and bring more footfall."

Maxine Reynolds, office manager at Breckon and Breckon, said: "We are happy to see that the market square is having some much-needed investment and are hopeful that this will support local businesses in the area and bring in more people. It's an exciting time for Bicester."

Ms Ford wanted to reassure businesses and members of the public the council would keep them informed throughout the project and, if plans are approved, that any disruption will only be "short-term".

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