Cash boost for improvements across Didcot Garden Town

More than half a million pounds is being invested into Didcot to help deliver important community improvements as part of the ongoing delivery of plans for Didcot Garden Town.

The funding, approved by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, will be used to improve green spaces, encourage greater biodiversity and improve wayfinding signage across the town.

Improved wayfinding will allow people to easily find where they want to go, highlight local spaces and encourage people to walk or cycle. It will help promote notable destinations and connectivity within the expanding communities of Didcot, looking at how we can improve the experience of residents and visitors.

The proposals, set out in the Wayfinding Strategy, are designed to resonate with the town’s history, natural setting, and relationship with the area recognised nationally as Science Vale.

A number of projects proposed in the Green Infrastructure Strategy, have been approved to improve access to green spaces across different areas of the town too.

In the northeast, money will be spent on improving green spaces through food growing and public art as well as increasing biodiversity.

Working with landowners, we will look to make improvements to the National Cycle Route 544 in the southeast of the town, which will result in clearer sight lines, better lighting and better access, making it safer to use.

In the southwest, work will be carried out to enhance and develop the southern perimeter route between Mowbray Nature Reserve and the proposed Alma Park/Neighbourhood Park/ Boundary Park/Robin Way Park. This work will include play and exercise features.

Councillor Sue Caul, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, Development and Governance, said: “This is a significant sum of money and will ensure we are able to continue to develop Didcot Garden Town and have a real positive impact on our residents.

“The wayfinding improvements will not only help people discover the best bits of Didcot, it will also help promote a sense of community and belonging.”

Councillor Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, and Deputy Leader, said: “We know how important green spaces are for people’s physical and mental health. Approving the funding for these projects means we can make it easier for our residents to access and enjoy them.

“These strategies and funding provide vital first steps towards increasing local biodiversity and reducing our climate impact and will help bring the garden to Didcot Garden Town.”

The funding and proposed strategies were approved at the most recent South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet meeting.