A consultation has begun over potential changes to the public realm in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council is asking for feedback on its ideas and is inviting suggestions on new ones, for the future of the city’s streets and squares as part of a Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework project.

The project aims to support a shift to more walking, cycling and public transport, and improve access to green spaces and water. It affects city centre streets and some in North Oxford.

Cllr Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said: “This project is about imagining the Oxford that puts people first. Suggested improvements will be made possible by our plans to reduce traffic and congestion across the city, and these options show how we could create safer streets with more greenery and space for socialising.”

An initial list of locations has been identified, including Carfax junction, St Giles’, Hythe Bridge Street, Little Clarendon Street and Summertown. Improvements have been suggested for reclaiming street space for more creative uses such as enhanced paving, seating, play spaces and greenery; relocating pick up and drop off points for tourist buses; how buses move around and services connect together; school traffic and how junctions work.

This list of options has been developed in collaboration with local resident groups, civic organisations, public transport operators, landowners and transport user groups.

Cllr Andrew, the council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: “We have worked in partnership to develop an initial list of ideas. This is not set in stone but, so we can be ready to make improvements when opportunities present themselves, we want to have early conversations to check if we’re moving in the right direction.

“I’m looking forward to hearing if the suggested opportunities are the right ones and what other ideas residents have for the future of our beautiful city.”

The framework project is funded by the Government’s Housing and Growth Deal.Initial suggestions are available for review at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/compf, with a survey open until March 23. 

A full report, including public feedback, will be published later this Spring.

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