Library shopping centre move back on … again
15/01/2026
Previous plans were dropped when terms couldn’t be agreed
Its been confirmed a move for Banbury Library to the Castle Quay Shopping Centre will take place after all.
Previous plans for the move were shelved when terms couldn’t be agreed between the then Conservative administration at Cherwell District Council (the shopping centre’s owners) and the Liberal Democrat administration at Oxfordshire County Council, who run library services.
The County Council then began planning for a move to the old Wilko building in Bridge Street. In September 2024 finance chief Councillor Dan Levy told a council meeting : “I understand the fitting out is potentially imminent and I am very hopeful indeed that you will have a working library, which the residents of Banbury have long been waiting for and deserve, in the near future.”
But those plans were quietly shelved.
Last July, subsequent to the Liberal Democrats taking charge at Cherwell, behind closed doors the council’s Executive discussed the granting a new lease for the old M&S unit, which has been empty since 2020. At the time the county council told us they were unable to confirm anything other than the library move to the Wilko store wasn’t taking place.
Today a statement has been released noting an agreement has now been reached between the two councils to relocate the library to Castle Quay.
It anticipated that the new library will open by the end of 2027.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. They are community spaces that play a vital role in helping people in everyday life from getting information and support to a place to socialise.
“The relocation will transform our library provision in Banbury with massively improved facilities, including better digital resources, flexible study areas, and dedicated spaces for community events. The new library, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, will also be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all residents can benefit from its services.”
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “As a big supporter of libraries and their vital role in our communities, I’m delighted to be welcoming Banbury library into Castle Quay. This will provide a larger, more modern space that places the library in the heart of Banbury, which will be a significant cultural investment in our town centre and for our residents to be able to enjoy all the benefits a contemporary library provides.
“Through previous engagement residents have shown support for improving and regenerating Banbury town centre, and the library relocation forms an exciting part of our upcoming plans.
“In its new, central location, the library will add to the cultural vibrancy of the town as a hub for education, leisure and social connection. This move reflects our commitment to Castle Quay as a multi-use, community destination and to ensuring Banbury thrives as a place where people want to live, work and visit.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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Kenneth Boyle On 15/01/2026 at 5:30 pm
At last a council decision that makes sense!!