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A vision for a vibrant, safe, clean, green, fun and independent Banbury
04/03/2025
The findings of the Banbury Vision consultation have been published
Banbury should be a vibrant, safe, clean, green, fun and independent place – a destination.
Those are the key values that will underpin a Banbury Area Action Plan, which has been created following on from the Banbury Vision consultation last year.
The plan will guide future investment and projects to revitalise and regenerate the town centre.
2,700 residents, businesses, and other stakeholders participated in the Banbury Vision exercise, exploring a number of themes including shopping, food and drink, culture, events and transport.
Perceptions of safety in the town centre was a common issue raised.
The survey made it clear that Banbury’s biggest shopping competitor is Gateway Retail Park. A CACI market survey (completed before the Castle Quay waterside development) showed that Banbury’s retail parks took half of the available expenditure in Banbury’s core catchment area.
Around a quarter of all respondents don’t visit any of the events run in Banbury town centre, but for those that do the Canal Festival, Food & Drink Festival and the Christmas Market were noted as the most popular.
There was a strong feeling that Banbury should do more to celebrate its heritage, but it was felt that there is a “heritage disconnect” in the area between the canal-side based Museum, Tooleys and Mill Arts Centre, and the Old Town.
Similarly the shopping centre and market place gave an “Evening Economy Deficit” between the canal-side area and the Old Town.
The findings from the comprehensive consultation have been used to create a Banbury Area Action Plan. This already includes the work currently underway on Tramway Road to deliver better walking, cycling and bus and taxi links to Banbury train station. The improvements to Cherwell Street, for which a consultation is currently underway, are also incorporated.
Other areas to be addressed include a vacant premises survey to identify opportunities to bring empty spaces back into use and enhancing the Market Place with seating and planting, along with a new cultural strategy to celebrate Banbury’s rich heritage, and enhancing public spaces across the town.
The draft Banbury Vision Engagement Report was approved by Cherwell District Council’s Executive last night (Monday).
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Regeneration, and Property, said: “Banbury’s future belongs to its community and the overwhelming response to this engagement shows how much people care about their town.
“This feedback provides a strong foundation for our vision, aiding us in developing a town centre that addresses the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Significantly, this vision is now progressing into a dedicated Banbury Area Action Plan, which will integrate key projects throughout the town into a cohesive, coordinated programme for regeneration.
“This collaborative approach will enable us to align investment, strengthen partnerships, and deliver genuine, lasting improvements that reflect these community priorities. We are determined to ensure Banbury remains a vibrant and sustainable place for generations to come.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam