Oxpens

The site

Oxpens is one of the largest brownfield sites in the city centre. Currently home to a car park, several buildings, old railway sidings and some scrubland. The site encompasses the meadows and borders the ice rink.

It’s an under-used but central and well-connected piece of land between Oxpens Road and the river.

Oxpens is being promoted by OxWED LLP, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College, and owns the majority of the land at Oxpens allocated for redevelopment in the Local Plan. Other parts of the site may come forward in the future.

The opportunity

To create an exciting mixed-use neighbourhood for the city, in a highly sustainable location. The plan is for a range of commercial and residential buildings that are connected by high quality public space and which make the most of the site’s relationship with the river, including a distinctive amphitheatre and extension to Oxpens Meadow. These will be genuinely accessible public spaces for anyone to use and enjoy. Plans include new hospitality venues and a hotel.

Totalling around 100,000,000 sq ft of redevelopment, including 450 dwellings and 3,000 jobs.
The Gross Value Add (GVA) to Oxford’s economy from new employment at Oxpens is estimated at up to £280 million per year.

Aims include:

• Protecting and enhancing the nature and biodiversity of the surrounding habitats
• Making the area sustainable, low carbon and flood resilient
• Creating a safe, connected, accessible and inclusive place for all
• Improving Oxpens Road, enhancing cycle and pedestrian connections in the area
• Providing a mix of uses to add to Oxford’s residential, employment and hospitality offer
• Creating a distinctive identity that connects to Oxpens’ creative past and feels part of Oxford
• Car free, city centre living
• Creating an attractive neighbourhood for residents, workers and visitors.

Progress

Consultations between 2020 – 2022 have resulted in three exhibitions of the scheme. OxWED LLP recently submitted a planning submission. The number of homes has increased from earlier submissions to support Oxford’s housing need (50% affordable). The masterplan also incorporate the proposed position for Oxpens River Bridge.

The planning submission includes a detailed application for some ground works. OxWED LLP will next seek delivery partners to bring forward the scheme, with potential delivery from 2025.