Plans to create a new sustainable and eco-friendly neighbourhood district centre in Oxford have been agreed by the council’s planning committee.
The redevelopment plans, put forward by housing association Peabody and development partner Oxford City Council, include a new central green space for natural informal play, including a nature trail. The community space has been designed with a residential roof terrace to support intergenerational living.
Nearly 300 affordable new builds, retail spaces and community facilities will be constructed in the centre of Blackbird Leys, Oxford. A majority of the new builds (210) will be located in a new district centre, 83% (174) will be designated for social or affordable rent, and 175 (36) for shared ownership.
Simon Barry, managing director, development at Peabody, says: “Every home at Blackbird Leys will be affordable, helping to tackle Oxford’s housing shortage, and we’re proud to be enhancing green spaces, delivering new active travel routes and creating a modern civic heart for this community. We look forward to continuing our work with Oxford City Council and local residents to bring our vision and ambition for this regeneration to life.”
The redevelopment will commence in phases, with work set to begin on the first phase later this year. These plans include an energy efficient community centre and several new homes and shops.
The second phase is expected to begin in 2025.