Contracts have been exchanged between L&G and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) over the sale of County Hall in Oxford.
Acting on behalf of its Managed Property Fund, L&G, has made the acquisition to redevelop the site into an upmarket hotel and has already commissioned developer Reef Origin.
Receipts from the sale will be used by the council for the refurbishment and upgrading of its new home, Speedwell House in Speedwell Street, ahead of the planned move in Spring 2027, although a delay caused by archaeological work at County Hall may mean a temporary move may be needed first.
The County Hall site (bottom right in image) includes 1973-built County Hall building and the Grade II*-listed Old County Hall and Coroner’s Court next door, which date from 1841. It was marketed for sale in Autumn 2024, attracting 19 bids. Uses such as offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial and church/congregation space were all considered.
Council leader Cllr Liz Leffman said: “These plans are very exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. L&G and Reef are offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will complement and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.
“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”
Rob Codling, head of commercial funds – real estate equity for L&G, said:“We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of County Hall Oxford. This represents a fantastic opportunity which builds on L&G’s established investor presence in Oxford and track record of delivering high-quality real estate throughout the city.
“Oxford is a vibrant city brimming with innovation, creativity and history, and we are continually dedicated to funding and developing assets which support the wider city’s economy and society.
“The repurposing of the listed Old County Hall and the redevelopment of County Hall aims to deliver a high-quality hotel with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials. We look forward to transforming the site into a prime asset within the West End of Oxford, all while upholding the historic legacy and rich charm of the building.”
Reef Origin has previously converted the former Boswells Department Store into the Store Hotel and secured planning for the Beaver House laboratory scheme in Hythe Bridge Street.
Partner Will Rohleder said: “We are fully aware of the sensitivities regarding this asset and the Grade II*-listed Old County Hall and will work closely with the county council and other key stakeholders to make sure it is curated accordingly.
“This is not just about preserving an important part of Oxford’s history but about breathing new life into it. By blending sustainability with heritage, we can create spaces that celebrate the history while paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.
“Old County Hall will include a mixture of restaurant, bar and gallery uses as well as a roof terrace open to the public to enjoy the stunning views across the famous city roofscape.
“We will also look to landscape and soften the buildings frontage and service yard to create external seating and a pocket garden sanctuary for both local residents and visitors.”
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