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Oxford’s 250-year-old Covered Market is set to get a much-needed revamp. Nearly three years after huge redevelopment plans were given the green light, the city council has confirmed that work will finally get underway in 2027.
The Grade II-listed city centre market has been a hub of commerce since 1774. Back then it was dominated by butchers, fishmongers and veg stalls. These days, it’s got a far more eclectic mix of traders (far more than its former occupants probably could have even dreamed of) – from noodle bars and Lebanese takeaways to artisan cheesemongers and vintage clothes sellers.
The £8m makeover will involve creating a new food court, introducing more retail space, refurbishing the market entrances, installing new public toilets and carrying out essential maintenance work like upgrading lighting and putting down new flooring.
It looks as though the market will be able to stay open while all that work is going on, though. The council says that it’s aiming to appoint a contractor in early 2026, which will then collaborate with the market’s businesses and ensure that any disruption, such as temporary internal diversions, is kept to a minimum. It has promised that ‘no trader will be left without a space or made homeless as a result’ of the project.
Local leaders hope that the transformation of the market will encourage visitors to spend more time there and help to safeguard its future. The redevelopment is expected to be complete within 18 months of work starting.
Alex Hollingsworth, the city council’s cabinet member for planning and culture said: ‘The Covered Market has been at the heart of the city for over 250 years, and we know how important it is to Oxford. Given the age and continued use of the building, infrastructure upgrades are needed, and given the love and passion for the market, we understand people’s concerns about redevelopment.
‘The agreed £8 million plan has been worked up with input from traders, heritage bodies, and all relevant stakeholders over the last few years. We will continue to work closely with everyone affected, starting this week with individual trader meetings, so we can understand concerns and try to find solutions ahead of work starting in 2027.
‘This is an exciting moment in the market’s history and our best chance to make sure it gets the upgrades and attention it needs to last another 250 years.’
Plus: One of Northern Ireland’s greatest museums is getting a £50 million revamp.
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