Last month outline and detailed planning permission was secured for Oxpens, one of the most significant development opportunities in the historic city of Oxford, UK.
Located near the expanding main train station, this ambitious scheme will transform the former railway goods yard, which has been closed since the 1980s, and realise a long-standing allocation and vision in the plan for a new piece of city, bringing homes and workspaces alongside extensive public realm, including the Oxpens Amphitheatre and playspace adjoining the river.
An opportunity conceived over a decade ago, this complex site has been brought forward by OXWED, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College. Throughout this journey, Prior + Partners’ town planning team have played a central role in the provision of strategic and client planning advisory services, working closely with the wider consultant team including masterplanners Hawkins\Brown. Together, we’ve helped define and bring forward the site vision, defined the planning strategy, and worked closely with stakeholders and local people to deliver on shared policy objectives.
With consent now granted, this publicly owned land can be activated and deliver the first piece at the core of the ambition for the future of Oxford’s West End – an ambition that elevates accessibility and connectivity, creativity, vibrancy and enterprise.
