An area of change in Oxford’s Local Plan
The 2016-2036 Local Plan, Policy AOC1, designated the ‘Area of Change’ and sets out principles for high-density urban living that makes efficient use of land, maintains a vibrant mix of uses and maximises the area’s contribution to Oxford’s knowledge economy.
Policy SP1 supports mixed use development across the West End, aiming to deliver at least 734 homes across five of the sites. In addition, Policy SP2 allocates Osney Mead Industrial Estate for a mixed use development, including employment and housing.
A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the West End and Osney Mead
Sets out a framework to support the West End to achieve its regenerative potential with a series of new mixed-use neighbourhoods. The SPD coordinates public realm improvements, infrastructure and design, as sites are brought forward across the area over time. Sustainability is a golden thread, emphasising the need to deliver a zero carbon Oxford and tackle the climate emergency.
Local Industrial Strategy, 2020
Builds on Oxfordshire’s globally-renowned status to position the county as one of the top-three global innovation ecosystems. As a world-leading science and technology cluster, it is pioneering activity for the UK, through emerging transformative technologies and sectors. Delivering the projects contained within will leverage over £2.6bn in domestic and foreign private sector investment. The strategy emphasises Oxford West End’s potential as a flagship, well-connected gateway.
Oxford’s Economic Strategy
Identifies Oxford West End as one of the key opportunities to deliver new employment space and homes. It will provide greater economic resilience, supporting existing businesses and cultural & leisure attractions. Oxford aims to boost domestic and international inward investment from socially responsible and purposeful businesses in target sectors including Health and Life Sciences, Technology and Digital, Green and Zero Carbon technology, and Creative Production. It sets out the work to align, coordinate and expedite delivery of the development and how it can foster Zero Carbon and Inclusive Growth. The City Council will work with landowners to deliver employment and skills plans. New uses will be accelerated by key infrastructure, including the proposed transformation of Oxford station into a national rail hub and excellent public realm.
City Centre Action Plan
A collaboration between Oxford City Council and local stakeholders, which identified a set of actions to strengthen the resilience of our city centre post-pandemic, one of the most difficult periods in the city’s history.
The plan identifies the West End as helping to diversify the centre’s mix of uses, by meeting the urgent demand for flexible commercial spaces for start-ups, spin-outs, and HQs, alongside new homes, including affordable homes.
It also highlights the vital plans for Oxford Railway Station to undergo a significant transformation. Alongside enhancing rail services and providing an increase in capacity to support the housing and job growth required in the city and region, this is vital to set an improved arrival experience for the city.
