22/03/13…Public space occupied – 13 years into the Millenium

THIRTEEN years into the new Millenium, a space reserved to mark the occasion has been filled, with a European Redwood Planter now a feature of the Millennium Circle in the centre of Thame.

Originally constructed in 1999 to mark the Millennium, what should go on the circle has been the subject of much discussion and debate by the town council over the years. There was even a competition once for suggestions, but none of the ideas and designs were deemed acceptable or were unaffordable.

The council has said that in providing the new seat, its aim is: “to give the area a strong identity similar to that of the Buttermarket and Swan Walk.

“Recently, the Millenium circle had become used as a popular parking spot, not only damaging the pavement but spoiling the appearance of Thame. The Millennium Planter will reinvigorate this area of the town and restore its use as a place for pausing and soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant town.”

Funding for the planter-seat came from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Town and Larger Villages Infrastructure Fund.