Kidlington Village Centre Management Board

This Board was established in January 2004 with the principle aim to bring key stakeholders together in partnership to develop Kidlington into the first choice destination for shopping, socialising and leisure in the area.

The main objectives of the local partnership are to :

• Enable community participation through forums, events and public consultations.
• Market and promote the Village Centre so that public perceptions of the centre are increased.
• Establish events in the Village Centre to build civic pride.

The Board is a formal partnership comprising public and private sector stakeholders. Representatives are drawn from Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, Kidlington Parish Council and Kidlington Voice.

Cherwell District Council Executive has approved a Business and Action Plan drawn up by the board during 2004. This plan is the basis for securing the developments and improvements to the Village Centre sought by the Board on behalf of the people of Kidlington. Key issues will be the subject of public consultation including public meetings, forums and this web site.

The full plan is available for downloading as a pdf file but the main points are:

Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

The partnership aims to reduce crime, the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour in Kidlington Village Centre. CCTV has been upgraded in the village centre and is operating successfully.

Other measures will include:

• Achieving the officially recognised (Home Office) “Safer Shopping” award.
• Using all available powers and resources to exclude known troublemakers.

Built Environment

The partnership aims to make Kidlington Village Centre a safer, more attractive and cleaner environment for all users.

Currently:

• The weekly market has been working very successfully in its new street location.
• The old market site is currently being redeveloped for mixed-use scheme of residential/ retail and is considered as a key catalyst for future development.
• Proposals are currently being formulated to improve traffic circulation to Cherwell District Council car park to reduce pedestrian/ vehicle conflict on High Street.

Future plans will include:

• Pursuing ways of allowing the disabled access to every part of the Village Centre.
• Formulating an urban design strategy as a context for change in the physical environment, including street furniture
• Consider the feasibility of further specialist markets

Access

The main objectives of the partnership include:

• Maximising the use of public car parking spaces for visitors using retail and leisure facilities.
• Supporting initiatives that create a comfortable, safe and attractive environment for pedestrians.