Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister of State for Business, visited Oxford's historic Covered Market yesterday (22 May).
The visit, which coincided with the “Love Your Local Market” campaign and the market’s 250th anniversary, allowed Oxford City Council to celebrate recent successes and discuss ongoing challenges facing independent retailers in the UK.
The Minister met with Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy, council officers and market traders to hear about work to keep the market a thriving and popular destination.
The Covered Market
The Covered Market, a Grade II-listed building celebrating 250 years of continuous trade, is home to over 50 independent traders and provides a bustling atmosphere for locals and visitors.
The market is not only a key attraction in Oxford’s world-famous city centre but also a vital part of the local economy.
In 2021, the market adopted a new Leasing Strategy. This strategy focuses on ensuring the right mix of businesses and spaces and emphasises attracting high-quality, specialist, locally owned or independent retailers.
The market currently offers the widest-ever selection of specialist artisan produce, cafés, bars, gifts, experiences, fashion, and lifestyle products.
In 2023, the Council approved almost £7m of investment to revitalise the historic market, launched a trial of later opening hours and recently completed major works to make Market Street more pedestrian and cycle-friendly to ensure the street and the market are a must-visit destination.
Since April 2023, footfall in the Covered Market has consistently exceeded 2022 and pre-pandemic levels. The most recent three months saw over 150,000 more visitors compared to the same period in 2023.
Comment
“The Covered Market is a vital part of Oxford's heritage and local economy. The recent investments and planned upgrades will ensure it remains a vibrant and resilient space for both traders and visitors for years to come.
“It’s encouraging that the hard work of the market traders and the City Council is being recognised and I hope Kevin Hollinrake MP enjoyed his visit to our thriving and popular market.”
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
“Having started my business journey on a market stall I was delighted to pay a visit to The Covered Market, a true success story, bringing new small businesses and rejuvenation to this important part of Oxford’s heritage.”
“The small businesses I met are delivering community, jobs and economic growth to Oxford and I can’t wait to see the Market continue to thrive and grow.”
Kevin Hollinrake, Minister of State for Business and Trade
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