HemingwayDesign was commissioned to lead the development of Banbury Vision 2050 — the largest engagement exercise ever carried out for the town centre.
The process attracted 2,772 survey responses and 150 workshop participants, launching with an event involving students from local secondary schools and sixth form colleges. This provided a clear evidence base for decision-making, ensuring the Vision was shaped not by assumption but by the lived experience, priorities and ambitions of the town.
The findings revealed what people cherish about Banbury: its independent shops, walkable market town character, heritage and canal, and much-loved parks and green spaces. But they also showed that over 99% of respondents wanted change. Concerns included empty shops, the quality of markets, competition from Gateway Retail Park, poor walking and cycling routes, and perceptions of safety in the evenings.
From this engagement, a set of community-defined values emerged. People want Banbury to be:
Vibrant. Safe. Clean. Green. Independent. Fun.
And ultimately, they want Banbury to become a destination — a place that offers experiences and identity that out-of-town shopping and online retail cannot.
The emerging Vision translates these values into a framework for action, identifying 12 opportunities for change:
• Retail Parks – countering the dominance of Gateway Retail Park by offering something more compelling in the town centre.
• Shopping Local – supporting independents and strengthening Banbury’s distinctiveness.
• Local Markets – revitalising the town’s markets to be more vibrant, diverse, and community-focused.
• Food & Drink – expanding cafés, restaurants, street food and family-friendly dining.
• Culture – investing in live music, theatre, art and heritage to attract more people.
• Events & Festivals – programming activity that animates the town centre and appeals across age groups.
• Young People – creating spaces and opportunities that make younger residents feel welcome and valued.
• Heritage – celebrating and safeguarding Banbury’s historic streets and buildings.
• Walkability – making streets safer, greener and more pedestrian-friendly.
• Bus & Rail – improving public transport services and arrival points.
• Parking – balancing accessibility with better experiences, particularly in historic areas.
• Local Jobs – linking the town centre with employment hubs and new flexible workspaces.
These opportunities form the backbone of Banbury’s long-term Vision — while also pointing to immediate, achievable actions that can build momentum and deliver visible change.
The outcome is a emerging Vision owned by the community and endorsed by stakeholders.
Read the full report here.
