Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - Wantage Market Place Improvements

We have received some funding to invest in Wantage Market Place to improve accessibility for those who are less able, make it easier to walk, wheel and cycle into and around town and improve the town centre for residents and visitors.      

Working with the local community, we have outlined four key objectives for the Wantage Market Place Improvements project: 

You told us you want everyone to feel welcome and safe in the Market Place. By making the area more accessible and reducing the chances of conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, we aim to enhance the sense of community where people can spend time and engage with each other. 

You wanted more greenery. By adding trees and plants and making the Market Place more accessible, we hope to encourage more people to wheel, walk and cycle, thereby reducing pollution from cars and increasing biodiversity. 

You wanted to make travelling to and from the Market Place by bus quicker, easier, and more reliable. This will be helped by reduced traffic in the town centre, thanks to recent opening of the new King Alfred Way. 

You wanted to boost your local economy and support local businesses. Creating a vibrant social space with local stakeholders, would enable more seasonal and local events, markets, street trading, and dining. This will bring attract both residents and tourists. 

The key changes proposed in the design are: 

• New flexible public space for markets and events
• Bus Gate on Mill Street (west of Grove Street junction). No vehicles except buses, taxis, delivery vehicles and emergency vehicles
• No vehicles permitted within pedestrianised areas except for market traders Mon to Sun and good vehicles loading between midnight and 9am Mon-Sun
• Relocated bus stops and upgraded bus shelters, as well as new bus stop on Newbury Street for S9 and 43 services
• Relocated taxi rank (x4 spaces)
• Signalised crossings changed to a single zebra crossings
• Public seating area around the King Alfred Statue, using accessible wooden benches.
• Creating opportunities for new outdoor seating for businesses.
• New cycle stands locations
• New ramped access to Arbury Arcade and Victoria Cross Gallery
• Cleaning and decluttering of the existing cobbled area
• New loading facility for business deliveries and collections

Delivery of the Wantage Market Place Improvements scheme will take place in two phases:  

•  Phase 1 – West End is currently funded for detailed design and build using Oxfordshire County Council corporate funding and the local Community Infrastructure Levy. Construction of West End is anticipated to start in Autumn 2027. 

Last year our community engagement exercises identified several priorities to be taken forward in the designs. These exercises included workshops with councillors, local businesses, residents and other statutory groups, public information drop-in events, an informal survey and an interactive online map. People also shared their thoughts and views with us by writing to us. 

Based on the feedback received, we worked with consultants to develop a concept design for the whole project area.

Since the pandemic, the West End of Market Place, between Alfred Street and Church Street, has been prioritised for pedestrians under temporary Traffic Regulation Orders. 

This initiative, promoted by Wantage Town Council, provided outdoor seating and a safe, accessible route into Market Place from Mill Street.  

In Summer of 2025, the traffic regulation order for the West End was made permanent. This helps to maintain a traffic-free, accessible route and supports local businesses with more certainty going forward. 

Our proposals would make the space easier to use by those with mobility issues, families and businesses / market traders 

Our traffic analysis shows that two-thirds of all vehicles currently using the Market Place are "through-traffic"—drivers using the town centre as a shortcut without stopping.

By introducing a bus gate (a restricted access point), we can remove this unnecessary congestion. This change is designed to transform the Market Place into a more of a destination rather than a thoroughfare. It will: 

• Prioritise pedestrians: Create a safer and better environment for pedestrians and visitors. 

• Enhance air quality: Reduce noise and pollution from through-traffic. 

• Support local economy: Provide more space for markets, outdoor seating, and community events. 

The restriction is aimed at general through-traffic. Access will be maintained for: 

• Buses: Ensuring public transport continues to serve the heart of the town. 

• Blue Badge Holders: We are committed to maintaining accessibility for those with mobility needs. 

• Taxis: So that passengers can still get to the heart of town from areas not served by buses     

• Emergency Services: Access will remain completely unrestricted. 

 The alternative route for through traffic would be via Dentchworth Road, Malby Way and King Alfred Way. 

This project is part of a wider investment in Wantage’s infrastructure. Along with the bus gate, we are: 

1. Improved Reliability: By removing two-thirds of the traffic from the town center, buses will no longer be delayed by local congestion, leading to more reliable departure times. 
2. Upgrading Bus Shelters: Providing better protection from the elements and more comfortable seating. 
3. Better Information: Installing improved signage and journey information to make using public transport easier and more legible. 
4. A Better Waiting Environment: Moving stops to areas with less traffic noise and better air quality creates a much more pleasant experience for passengers waiting for their service. 
5. Enhanced Accessibility: Ensuring all bus infrastructure is modern and easy to use for everyone.

The majority of bus services will continue to run as normal. However, because the Market Place will no longer be used as a "loop" for turning vehicles, a few specific changes are necessary: 

New Stop Locations: Services S9 and 43 would start and end their journeys at a dedicated, reinstated bus stop on Newbury Street. This is only a few meters from the Market Square. 

Minor Diversions: These services will be rerouted via Ormond Road. The estimated impact on journey time is approximately 2 minutes.

The aim is to enhance the Market Place as a location that people can access easily by walking, wheeling, cycling, public transport, or a short walk from one of the off-street car parking spaces that are distributed throughout Wantage town centre.

The intention is to enhance the street environment, for people to really enjoy spending time there, and stay longer.

The proposals currently restrict goods vehicles loading/unloading to a period before 9am. This is to ensure the new pedestrian space can be used flexibly for more stalls, events and outdoor dining throughout the week. 

We are seeking feedback on this proposal and can adjust the times to better suit the needs of businesses. 

Yes, the taxi bays are proposed to be reloacted outside No. 39 Market Place.

The proposals will make walking and wheeling safer and easier by reducing traffic, removing car parking, and widening footways to improve access to businesses and amenities. 

The proposed construction date for Phase 1 “West End” section is Autumn 2027. 

The construction of Phase 2 “Main Square” is subject to securing further funding, approvals and consultation outcomes.  

We would especially like people living or working in or near Wantage, or regularly visiting the town, to comment on our proposals by responding to our survey online or on paper, or by writing to us or speaking to us at the drop-in events.

The survey questions are arranged to help people to comment on the specific elements of the designs, so we can review and make further changes as necessary.

The events will be held on the ground floor in the Lockinge room at the Beacon, which is accessible by persons with mobility issues. If you are concerned about a specific access issue, please do email WantageMarketPlace@oxfordshire.gov.uk  to discuss with us and we will do our best to help you enjoy the event.