PJA was commissioned by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council to undertake a high profile ‘Movement and Public Realm Strategy’ for Oxford city centre.
The overarching aim of the study is to support the vision set out in the Oxford Local Plan 2036, which will look at least 20 years ahead and consider how it can best address the pressures and challenges that Oxford will meet as it continues to grow and develop. This growth must be associated with a liveable and sustainable city centre that balances economic, social and environmental needs; ensuring that it remains a highly desirable place to live, work and visit. Oxford must continue to have a strong economy, contributing to advancements in learning and innovation locally, nationally and globally.
It is anticipated that within the plan period there will be significant growth within both the Oxford City Council administrative area and in the surrounding Oxfordshire districts, but that Oxford will continue to sit at the heart of the region’s economy. The study therefore aims to develop a strategy for the city centre’s transport systems and its public realm. In doing so it seeks to ensure the city centre is served by adequate infrastructure, so that continued growth does not compromise local quality of life or the city centre’s unique environment.
Between September 2017 and February 2018 the project team has undertaken a comprehensive programme of engagement with key stakeholders; including local interest groups, businesses and elected members. The engagement process comprised design workshops, meetings with key officers, site visits with elected members and a presentation to the Oxford Design Review Panel.
The study also included a comprehensive review of traffic data, pedestrian footfall, public transport routes and future development plans leading to the development a radical overarching vision for the city.
The vision aims to improve the balance between a city centre that is accessible by public transport and open to vital freight movements, while defining pleasant and safe places for people to walk and cycle. The implications of emerging technologies such as automated vehicles and e-bikes have also been carefully considered.
