The last chance to shape one of Oxford’s most important developments before plans are submitted takes place next weekend.
The final consultation on the 15-acre Oxpens development – which includes 500,000 sq ft of labs and offices – is being held over the weekend of November 11-13, ahead of submission of the planning application early next year.
The latest proposals for the site, between Oxpens Road and the river, refined since the previous consultation in July, will be on show at a series of events in the city and at www.oxpensoxford.uk.
The current proposals envisage 186 flats (93 affordable and 93 market), around 230 student rooms, 500,000 sq ft of offices and labs and 370 hotel rooms in one or more hotels. Around 3,000 jobs are likely to be created.
A new river bridge is included as part of the pedestrian and cycle routes in the largely car-free scheme and the new public space will include an amphitheatre.
The scheme is being drawn up by masterplan architects Hawkins Brown, landscape architects Gillespies and a team of urban design specialists including Gardiner & Theobald, Max Fordham, Prior + Partners, and Kevin Murray Associates on behalf of OxWED, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College.
It is a central part of the ambitions for wider-scale regeneration, investment and improvement across the West End of Oxford.
OxWED managing director Kevin Minns said: “Oxpens will be a thriving new quarter for Oxford, and through the genuine mix of homes, workspace, leisure, and public realm, it will benefit the city and the people who live here in so many different ways.
“I want to thank everyone who has already given their time, thoughts and ideas to our Summer consultation, and encourage everyone who can to engage and help us achieve the very best scheme for Oxford.”
Warden of Nuffield College Sir Andrew Dilnot said: “The redevelopment of Oxpens presents an almost unique opportunity to create a whole new city centre quarter that will enhance Oxford’s public realm and boost economic growth while at the same time providing badly needed new housing and employment opportunities.
“It is an exciting moment to be sharing these more detailed plans with the community, and we look forward to their views as the OxWED team moves towards finalising the masterplan.”
The deadline for comments is November 30.
An exhibition of the site’s history is on display at Westgate County Council Library.
Schedule of consultation events:
Westgate Shopping Centre, Leiden Square (outside main entrance to John Lewis)
Thursday, November 11, 10am – 3pm
Friday, November 12, 10am – 3pm
Grandpoint Pavilion, Whitehouse Road
Thursday, November 11, 5pm – 7pm
West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road
Saturday, November 13, 1pm – 6pm
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