Work to transform one of Oxford’s loveliest streets into a new green public space has been completed – with Broad Street transformed into Broad Meadow.

The city council project has seen the street pedestrianised and turned into a temporary new outdoor space containing wildflowers, trees and small lawns.

The work to create the area was completed by Oxford Direct Services in four days. It was declared open yesterday by Council Leader Susan Brown and Deputy Leader Tom Hayes.

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The city council has plans for a high quality programme of community and arts events in the space over summer weekends, the details of which are being finalised in response to the Government’s expected announcements about the regulations which will be in effect from July 19.

The city council has plans for a high quality programme of community and arts events in the space over the summer weekends, the details of which are being finalised in response to the Government’s expected announcements about the regulations which will be in effect from July 19.

The work included the installation of drop-down bollards, wooden seating and planters made from recyclable materials and moving cycle racks.

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Ed Nix

Muralist Bryony Benge-Abbott was commissioned to create a large flower-inspired artwork on the highway in order to continue the theme of introducing nature into Broad Street over the summer.

The design of one of the city centre’s largest outdoor public spaces was developed by landscape architects LDA Design and informed by discussions with technical experts and local stakeholders, as well as local businesses, cycling groups such as Cyclox, and disabled people and representatives of disability groups

The city council is encouraging Oxford residents, workers, students and visitors to come to Broad Meadow and then share their views. A consultation questionnaire will be available on from today at the council’s Citizen Space consultation portal at consultation.oxford.gov.uk

The changes will not affect the bus stops or the county council’s public car park in Broad Street. Access will also be maintained from Broad Street to Market Street, which is the main route for deliveries to and from the Covered Market. A two-way cycle route will be preserved throughout Broad Street.

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Mr Hayes said: “Broad Meadow will be a safe, welcoming, and green space for everyone to enjoy. Within a year we want to be in a position to give Broad Street back to the people and we need to hear from everyone about how Broad Meadow has met their needs. As a listening council, we want to extend our discussions with 60 local stakeholders out to the whole of the city of Oxford.”

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Ed Nix

Dafydd Warburton, Director, LDA Design said: “The design and delivery of this new space for Broad Street ready for the summer has been intense. Now we’re really looking forward to seeing people use and enjoy the space, and to find out more about how people see the street evolving.”