Help shape future of shopping street

From the archive, first published Thursday 30th Nov 2000.

What's your dream vision for a new-look Cornmarket Street?.

Michael Branch, of BLA Landscape Architects and Environmental Consultants, is keen to know. He has just been appointed as a design co-ordinator for the environmental enhancements in Oxford's busiest shopping street.

And he wants to ensure that local people, traders and other interested parties have a say on what features they would like incorporated into the £1.5m revamp, agreed on Monday by Oxford City Council.

The improvement scheme, which is designed to last more than 50 years, will include widened pavements, new street furniture and other features to make the street attractive and accessible for all.

Mr Branch carried out a similar role in the construction of Cutteslowe Bridge, where he represented local groups over the design and land- scaping.

He said: "Cornmarket Street is at the heart of the city centre and plays a vital part in Oxford's economy.

That's why it's important that the completed scheme reflects the views of as wide a section of the community as possible."

On Monday, Oxford City Council agreed to find a further £1.1m, in addition to a £400,000 grant from the county council, to allow the environmental enhancements to go ahead.

Improvement work is expected to start next summer.

Councillors also want to spend money on Broad Street but are expected to wait until the work on Cornmarket Street is completed.

Anyone with views about the revamp can contact Mr Branch by sending an e-mail to: mbranch@branchassociates.fsnet.co.uk or writing to him at MBA, Lephins Studio, The Ridgeway, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 8LX.

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