The transformation of Frideswide Square is progressing well, turning the area into an attractive, welcoming public space, and improving this important route into Oxford.

The shops, restaurants and businesses in and around the square are still open as usual during the work and can be reached via a number of crossings, including the footbridge on Botley Road.

Phase 1 is now well advanced and traffic continues to flow smoothly through the temporary road layout. 

How we’re getting on with the work

Phase 1 continues inside the fenced off area outside the Saïd Business School. There are a number of tree planters being constructed that will house new trees in the square. The pits for these planters have been dug and foundations laid. These will be built up to become seating areas for pedestrians.

The existing utilities have now been diverted and new ducting through the site has been installed to carry services such as electricity and communications. New gullies and channels are also being installed, improving drainage in the Square. Yorkstone channels and granite kerbing are being laid with the concrete slab foundations for the yorkstone paving slabs going in.

The temporary road layout is working well. However, all drivers are reminded that the existing 20mph speed limit remains in place and are urged to take extra care when travelling through the square and pay extra attention to cyclists and pedestrians crossing the roads.
  
Pedestrians using the south side of the square are being signposted across the footbridge at the railway station and yellow signs have been installed at the railway station to help signpost the quickest route. 

Useful information

For further details and information about this scheme, please visit the Frideswide Square Project Page 

For live travel information and our journey planner, visit Oxfordshire Travel Choices