The transformation of Frideswide Square from a cluttered, congested junction to a welcoming and imposing public space is a key priority for the West End Partnership and Oxfordshire County Council.

Frideswide Square is one of Oxford's most important public spaces, yet it is dominated by traffic and highway infrastructure, making it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to negotiate. For an internationally acclaimed city, famous for its architecture, scholarship and history, it is a disappointing introduction for visitors arriving at this western gateway. 

Following widespread stakeholder and public consultation in 2010-11 (visit our Public Consultation Diary to view the documentation), a high quality scheme has been proposed which would reclaim Frideswide Square as public space, giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users whilst allowing the necessary flow of traffic to move smoothly but slowly through the space.

Two preferred design options have emerged from the extensive background and feasibility work conducted to date.  This work included a series of design workshops which drew on examples of public squares around the globe with similar challenges - namely striking a balance between traffic and pedestrians whilst incorporating quality design and construction. Both options are based on the “shared space” principle which would see traffic lights replaced with compact roundabouts, reduced road widths and courtesy crossing points. These options will be subject to further stakeholder consultation throughout early 2012 along with traffic modelling and technical studies, before a final design decision can be reached.

In conjunction with the redevelopment of Oxford Railway Station and the areas surrounding Frideswide Square (Becket Street, the Southside and the Island Site), it is hoped these much-anticipated improvements will enhance the visitor experience while creating an area pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can navigate with ease.

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