Oxford Covered Market Street pedestrianised despite concern

Market Street in Oxford, which is located next to the Covered Market, has undergone surfacing works to include wider walkways, new cycle racks and added outdoor seating.

Some traders at the Covered Market, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, previously expressed concern when news of the trial emerged.

READ MORE: Oxford Six by Nico restaurant announces 'chip shop' menu

Luciana Gyuricza, who started the beer business Teardrop five years ago and the wine bar Market Cellar Door two years ago, said: “If there were less traffic restrictions the market would be booming more."

Paul Lee, proprietor of Covered Arts and Framing Service, added: "Most of our deliveries come from London and the north of England and fragile products such as glass lengths of timber need to be safely received.”

Not all traders are against the move, with Graham Macdonald from the iScream gelato store saying he thinks it is a "great idea".

It has been pedestrianised. (Image: CoHSAT.)

Mr MacDonald added: "There are difficulties with deliveries whether there's this outside space or not to be brutally honest.

"As long as the parking attendant is a little more tolerant of recognisable heavy goods vehicles is should be fine.

"I think it's great for Oxford.

"A lot of people come and visit from Europe and they are used to cafes spilling out onto streets there."

Alex Hollingsworth, city councillor for the Carfax & Jericho ward, added: "My initial thoughts are that it looks really nice.

"I think the delivery arrangements are obviously something that two councils and the Covered Market talk about all the time.

"There is always a balancing act to be had."

When asked about general transport-related concerns expressed by traders in the area, Mr Hollingsworth said he thought the "vast majority of people shopping and visiting the covered market" came on public transport or foot.

City council cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford and climate justice, Anna Railton, said: "The changes look really high quality and positive.

Anna Railton. (Image: Oxford City Council)

"There was lots and lots of engagement with the traders before this semi-pedestrianisation was done, including surveys of how long vehicles were parked in spaces.

"I'm hopeful we can keep engaging with the various businesses to use the new space as effectively as possible. For example working together across the market to time deliveries."

A city council spokesman added: "The pedestrian-friendly changes to Market Street aim to bring more people to this part of the city centre and make it easier for them to spend more time around the Covered Market.

"We have worked with stakeholders so that these benefits can be delivered without presenting unmanageable challenges for businesses.

Work being done in the run-up to the trial. (Image: Anna Railton.)

"The street remains open for loading and to allow Blue Badge holders and taxis to drop off blue badger holders, at all times."

He said reference to access was "not relevant" as the road was not being "closed for loading".

This is despite there being a reduction in loading bays as a result of the pedestrianisation.