Oxford Covered Market

Oxford Covered Market has been an important civic building and place of commerce since it opened in 1774, and remains an integral part of the city centre. Our masterplan sets out how the Grade II listed Market could be regenerated and improved, transformed for future generations of shoppers, whilst respecting and enhancing its unique character, heritage and history. It is one of the few large Council owned and public spaces in the city centre and therefore presents a unique opportunity to the city and its people.

Gort Scott Architects hope to fully realise Oxford Covered Market’s potential with an ambitious plan that will both renew the building’s historic fabric and create new spaces for businesses. Proposals include changes to the currently vehicle dominated Market Street into pedestrian-priority street, strategic retrofitting to create a large new flexible communal area off Market Street and works to improve entrances. These new flexible spaces will add to the Market’s offer and improve wayfinding from Cornmarket and Turl Streets, aiming to increase customer access and draw. Oxford Covered Market will become the community’s everyday hub, and an ideal place for evening dining and events.

The original c.1774 Market was designed as a food market exemplar by John Gwynn, architect of Magdalen Bridge, and it has maintained its association with food ever since. It takes up a large part of the urban block at Oxford’s central crossroads and its passages and ‘courtyards’ are an extension of the surrounding urban grain. The incremental growth of the Market and the different styles it comprises form a large part of its architectural character.

Notably, the 1834 high-tech New Court is distinctive for its delicate cast iron structure, the timber roofs are quality examples of 19^th century carpentry and engineering and the 1897 Fish Market creates a high quality three-bayed frontage onto Market Street.

Gort Scott Architects’ proposals for the Market are driven by 6 core values that have been developed with the Council, traders, and users: Inclusivity, sustainability, evolution of trade, increased footfall, heritage, and distinctiveness. Oxford Covered Market presents an exciting opportunity for the community to guide the development of a new kind of truly open and friendly amenity for Oxford, accessible to everyone and open for all.