The redevelopment was approved in 2023 and further strengthened in February 2025.
It will deliver essential upgrades to the 250‑year‑old building, while respecting the unique history, charm, and legacy.
READ MORE: Rise in ‘youths kicking doors’ sparks police warning
Works will include upgrading the ageing infrastructure, improving layouts and routes through the market, and making Market Street a ‘more welcoming, pedestrian‑friendly approach’.
Over the coming months, the council says it will continue ‘working closely’ with traders as the plans move into their next phase.
CGI of the proposed redevelopment (Image: Oxford City Council)
Oxford City Council has invited Covered Market traders to discuss the market redevelopment’s next steps, expected impact, and the proposed 2027 start of construction work, in a series of one-to-one and group meetings, starting this week.
The authority aims to appoint a contractor in early 2026, who will collaborate with businesses to phase the works, maintain safe access, and minimise any temporary internal diversions needed to keep customers moving safely around the building.
Detailed design and heritage assessments will continue throughout 2026, with construction expected to start in 2027, at the earliest.
It is predicted to take about 18 months, with exact timings refined once on‑site investigations begin.
The Covered Market will remain open throughout the works, and no trader will be left without a space or made homeless as a result, the council said.
Any trader affected by layout changes will be offered an alternative location within the market, and overall trading space will be maintained.
The council added that all traders have been invited to the full traders’ meeting in February, during which further details will be discussed with the businesses.
Individual meetings with the most affected businesses start this week, to help the Council understand concerns and work with them on solutions well ahead of construction starting next year.
Following detailed architectural work, several improvements have been added to the original redevelopment plans.
These include an increase in female toilets, responding directly to longstanding feedback from traders and visitors, relocation of the existing toilet block, relocation of the sub‑station to the service yard, creation of a new open court, improving the market’s internal layout and atmosphere, additional retail space, and upgrades to utilities, including wiring and services in the historic structure.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, 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.
READ MORE: Flooding ‘possible’ in areas with nearly 20 alerts in place
“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.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth on the roof of the Town Hall. (Image: Jon Lewis)
“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.”
