LDA Design, working with Oxford City Council, has turned iconic Broad Street into ‘Broad Meadow’ for the summer.
Temporarily pedestrianising the western half of Broad Street has created one of the largest civic spaces in the city centre, with wildflower meadows and lawns. Installation took just four days.
A full programme of community and arts events is planned for the space over the summer. A two-way cycle route remains open throughout Broad Street.
The space features wooden seating and planters made from recyclable materials, including pallets used to transport vaccines and protective equipment during the pandemic.
Muralist Bryony Benge-Abbott has created a stunning nature-inspired floorscape to add definition and colour, and to make people smile.
Dafydd Warburton, a director at LDA Design and project lead for Broad Street, said: “The design and delivery of this new space in such a short window of time has been intense but incredibly rewarding. All along the way we’ve wanted to use recycled materials and local makers. Now we’re really looking forward to seeing people use and enjoy the space, and to find out more about how people see the street evolving.”
Plans for the space have been informed by productive discussions with local stakeholders, businesses and advocacy groups. The scheme is designed to support the city’s post-pandemic recovery, and to inform long-term options for creating better quality, car-free public spaces across Oxford city centre.
The City Council is now encouraging Oxford residents, workers, students and visitors to come to Broad Meadow and share their views.
Councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon at Oxford City Council said: “Broad Meadow has been designed to be a safe, welcoming, pedestrian-friendly space that everyone can enjoy. But we want to make sure that it meets the needs of people and informs our longer-term approach so I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation and give their views.
An online consultation questionnaire will be open for comments until one month after the space closes. Representatives from the Council, City Centre Ambassadors, will regularly visit the space to gather feedback.
Images Credit: © Claire Borley/ LDA Design