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Strong turnout at successful Didcot community event

Published 2 April 2026

More than 200 residents, community groups and local partners attended the Didcot community event held at Cornerstone Arts Centre on 18 March, where members of the Didcot Garden Town team, alongside other council representatives and local organisations shared updates on key projects and plans for the area.  

The event, themed ‘Connectivity and Infrastructure,’ built on the success of last year’s gathering and brought together South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, Oxfordshire County Council, Didcot Town Council and other partner organisations.  

Attendees were able to hear about the latest developments in wayfinding and public art, the Broadway project, and major infrastructure improvements taking place across the region.  

Representatives from Oxfordshire County Council provided updates on significant transport schemes, including upgrades at Steventon Lights and new walking and cycling routes forming part of a wider balanced transport strategy for the Science Vale area. Didcot Town Council also spoke with residents about their public art project at Edmonds Park and upcoming community events planned for 2026.  

Teams from South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils were on hand to discuss community grants, business support, and progress on the Broadway development, alongside updates on local government reorganisation (LGR) work.  

The councils have thanked everyone who attended for contributing to a positive, well engaged event, and for taking the opportunity to speak directly with officers and project partners about the future of Didcot and the surrounding area. 

Cllr Anne-Marie Simpson, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Garden Communities, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people join us for this year’s event. The level of interest shows just how important these projects are to local residents, and we deeply appreciate the time people took to come along, ask questions and share their views. The updates on the HIF1 scheme, wayfinding, public art and the continuing work on the Broadway development demonstrate real progress, and events like this help ensure our communities stay informed and involved as Didcot continues to grow.” 

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, Vale of White Horse District Council, added: “We were delighted that so many residents and community groups attended; I believe their enthusiasm made the evening a real success. This event provided a valuable opportunity for people to hear about the support available locally – from community grants to new public artwork – and to speak directly with the teams and developers shaping Didcot’s future. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to engage with us.”   

Cllr Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “It was excellent to be able to showcase our infrastructure work to such a large and engaged audience. Didcot and the wider Science Vale area continue to play a vital role in supporting innovation and economic growth, and our transport and active travel projects are designed to help residents move more easily and sustainably. We are pleased so many people came to learn more about what is underway and what is planned for the future.” 

Feedback invited

Anyone who attended the event and would like to provide feedback is encouraged to complete the online survey before 10 April: 
https://theconversation.southandvale.gov.uk/communities/eea03532