Broad Street pedestrianisation scheme cost half a million pounds

Parking spaces have been removed by the county council and planters have been positioned throughout the street, which could remind shoppers of 'Broad Meadow', the city council project which proved popular last summer.

The county council wants to deliver new access to green space throughout Oxfordshire’s urban areas, to promote wellbeing, and a greener cityscape while encouraging less reliance on cars for local trips.

Read again: Broad Street pedestrianisation is almost complete

The investment is part of the council's four-year financial strategy.

Referring to the Broad Street work, the strategy says: "It is proposed to provide funding of £0.5m towards the pedestrianisation of Broad Street.

"Building on the trial undertaken by the city council in 2021, the intention is to undertake further work to provide a space for the benefit of pedestrians and to support improvements to the environment through the removal of on street parking."

While the council has confirmed the £500,000 cost, it has declined to reveal how much revenue it is expected to lose each year as a result of the removal of the parking spaces.

The council has asked the Oxford Mail to submit a Freedom of Information request to obtain the figure and this request has now been made. The question should be answered within 20 days.

Providing a social open space in Oxford’s Broad Street builds on the success of Broad Meadow, according to the county council.

A spokeswoman said earlier contractors aimed to finish the work in the week beginning October 24.

Read again: Broad Street pedestrianisation is 'waste of money'

The council website says: "The Broad Street project will transform Broad Street’s historic highway into an accessible and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy in the heart of the city.

"A wider pedestrian area complemented with seating and planting creates an environment where people can meet with friends and socialise, or just take a break and enjoy the area between working, sightseeing, shopping, dining, or seeing shows or concerts.

"The scheme is provisionally set to stay in place for up to 18 months."

The council added: "When Broad Meadow was introduced between July and October 2021 it drew more than 100,000 visitors with 90% of respondents to a consultation by Oxford City Council saying they would like to see the project happen again."

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Not everyone is convinced the pedestrianisation scheme is a good use of public funds.

Steve Bennett from Oxford said: "What a complete and utter waste of our money and let's be very frank a total eyesore and embarrassment to this great city.

"Do they really think it looks good? And how much did it cost us? Although the flower beds are of a very high quality and obviously very expensive were they actually needed?

Who on a wet winter's day is going to frequent the seating areas?

You will hear our councils running down the government on wasted money and how they aren't helping those in need yet go and put something in place that has cost a fortune to purchase and position."

Sushila Dhall, of Oxford Pedestrians Association, said: "I think it has been done very well, in that the car parking has been removed, large spaces have been opened up for people to sit and meet and rest in, with lovely planting, and through ways have been kept clear for bikes, as well as cycle parking having been retained.

"The only issue I can see is drivers are illegally passing through the street,and I hope the rising bollard that was there before will be reinstated before long."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF