What you need to know

Work is going well and you will see many changes if you visit Frideswide Square. Although there is a lot going on, you can still travel through the square and visit the shops and businesses nearby.

The transformation of Frideswide Square will create an attractive, welcoming public space and improve its functions as major traffic junction. The space that is created by the new square will be a multi functional area, and a gateway into the city from the railway station and the west. It will allow for the conversion of Becket Street to two-way traffic and future extension of Becket Street through the Oxpens site as part of the Oxpens development.

How we’re getting on with the work

Night work started on 16 February 2015, with the removal of the traffic signal islands around the square. This allowed the installation of the traffic management for phase 1 of the works andthis was installed over the week starting Monday 23 February 2015.

Fencing has been installed around the site area for phase 1. Work is progressing on the site, with the clearance and electrical disconnections being done.

We will soon be starting the utility diversions which involve some excavations and relocation of utilities within the site. 

Useful information

The bus stops within the site are now closed, with these being relocated into Park End Street. These will be located here for the duration of phase 1, and some of phase 2. It is expected that these will reopen in their new locations, within the square, sometime in the autumn.

The Oxford Bus and Stagecoach websites both include useful and up to date information on their bus services and where they are relocated to.

Pedestrian crossings, in the form of temporary refuge areas, have now been provided on all roads into the square where space permits. Pedestrian maps will be erected shortly to highlight the routes around the square. In addition to these maps, we will also be putting up banners to highlight the presence of shops and  businesses around the square.

A diversion route has been provided for cyclists via Becket Street, Osney Lane and St Thomas Street. During the work, access to all properties will be maintained, and we will contact individuals directly about how we work outside of your property and if any properties require any special assistance regarding access or loading.