Banbury Library will move into a permanent new home inside the Castle Quay Shopping Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire, following an agreement announced in mid‑January 2026. Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council agreed to relocate the service to the former Marks & Spencer unit, which has been vacant since 2020. The decision aims to drive more people into the town centre and provide a modern space for the community.
The current library on Marlborough Road was built in 1884. The county council says the Grade II‑listed building is unsuitable for modern library services — citing poor accessibility, a lack of public facilities and high maintenance costs — and that a move will allow a larger, more accessible and up‑to‑date facility. According to Banbury FM, the move replaces a previous plan to use an old Wilko shop on Bridge Street. The new facility is expected to include improved digital services and internet access, better study areas, and dedicated rooms for community events.
Local businesses are expected to benefit from the change as the library attracts roughly 80,000 visitors every year. The Banbury Business Improvement District has welcomed the announcement, noting that increased footfall should help nearby cafés and retail shops. Industry reporting says the project forms part of a wider plan to reposition Castle Quay as a hub for culture and leisure.
The agreement was announced on 15 January 2026, but the new library is not expected to open until late 2027. Council officials say the existing Marlborough Road branch will remain open to the public while the new site is prepared. The relocation follows Cherwell District Council’s own move of its headquarters into Castle Quay in early 2025.
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