For more than 250 years, the Covered Market has been at the heart of Oxford – a working market, a meeting place and a daily part of city life.
This programme of essential improvements is focused on giving the historic building the care and upgrades it needs to continue serving traders, residents and visitors long into the future. Much of the work relates to infrastructure and facilities that are now reaching the end of their serviceable life, alongside carefully considered changes to layout and access that support how the market functions day to day.
The market will remain open throughout the works, and traders are closely involved as plans continue to develop. The building’s protected historic character remains central to all design decisions.
This page brings together the latest information in one place, including updates, drawings and meeting actions.
Video Updates
This short video explains the purpose of the programme of essential improvements to the Covered Market and clarifies what is and isn’t changing. It outlines the focus on essential upgrades to infrastructure, facilities and layout, confirms that the market will remain open throughout the works, and explains how the building’s historic character continues to guide the design.
This is the first in a series of updates that will be shared as plans progress.
We recognise that people have questions about the programme of essential improvements to the Covered Market. This section brings together clear answers to the most common queries about what is changing, how the works will be delivered, and what this means for traders and visitors.
The market is fine how it is, why do we need to upgrade the building?
The building needs upgrading, especially to the services, drains, electrics, WC’s etc, which are reaching the end of the serviceable life. Replacing and, where appropriate, upgrading them will ensure that they meet the requirements of traders now and in the future. We want to encourage new visitors to visit the Market, and these changes are essential to support that. Some of the changes will also enable improvements to sustainability, as the new design is able to accommodate green features eg solar power in the future.
Will the redevelopment change the character of the market?
The market is a listed building and beloved for its unique look and feel. All upgrades are sympathetic to the building’s status, history and character. They will preserve what is loved for generations to come but tidy up and make it fit for the future. A lot of the changes will be behind the scenes.
Have the traders been involved in these plans?
Yes, the traders have been involved from the beginning. We continue to have regular meetings and are also discussing proposals with traders on a 1-2-1 basis when necessary. This will continue throughout the work.
Will the mix of tenants change?
No, the Covered Market’s Leasing Strategy was introduced in 2021. It focuses on ensuring the right mix of businesses and spaces, and emphasises attracting high-quality, specialist, locally owned or independent retailers.
Will the work affect accessibility and parking?
The latest changes to Market Street included a new disabled bay closer to the GP surgery. This will remain following the redevelopment works.
Will the number of units change?
We are moving the substation which will allow for additional retail space within the market – the actual number of units will depend on how much space new traders want.
Will the work affect the opening hours of the market?
The market will remain open as usual throughout the works, however, there may be diversions and some entrance closures for safety during the work. We are currently working with a construction consultant to develop a plan for phasing and delivering the construction in a way that minimises any disturbance.
How long will the work take?
We expect the work will take at least 18-months, however, as with any historical building, we will know more once we begin.
Will traders have to leave the market because of the works?
No trader will be left without a space or made homeless as a result. Any trader affected by layout changes will be offered an alternative location within the market, and overall trading space will be maintained.