FOUR years after floating a plan to create a tourist attraction about a pioneering balloonist, a team of entrepreneurs is frustrated it has not got off the ground.

The team wants to pay tribute to James Sadler, the first Englishman to make a flight in a hot air balloon.

He made history when he took off from Christ Church Meadow on October 4, 1784, and landed safely 30 minutes later in a field near Woodeaton, six miles away.

Oxford Mail:

Now The James Sadler Oxford Balloon Experience team wants to offer tethered balloon rides from former car parking space at the back of the ice rink, close to Oxpens Meadow, and create an education and history centre alongside it.

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But it is unable to make any progress until a development partner is appointed for the £200m Oxpens scheme.

OxWED, a partnership between the city council and Nuffield College, is proposing the homes and offices scheme but is still waiting to appoint a partner, even though it expected to make an announcement in September.

Property developer David Dunphy one of the entrepreneurs, said: “We would like to know why it is taking so long for OxWED to appoint a development partner.

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“We are looking for space for a tethered balloon and an education centre alongside it and there’ s a field next to Oxpens Meadow and the ice rink which would be ideal but it is now owned by OxWED.

“James Sadler has been forgotten by Oxford, perhaps because he came from town and not gown and we think that’s a tragedy.

“There would be an education centre and tea room next to the balloon and schools could come every day to learn about science and flight.

“Sadler was also a pastry chef so we would like to have some decking and a small tea room.”

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The team’s website said it aims to ‘restore the reputation of James Sadler, a local innovator who became an international celebrity and hero of science’.

It also aims to introduce a world-class interactive educational centre and enable locals and visitors to enjoy a unique view of the city’s beautiful architecture, dreaming Spires and landscape; and bring a replica tethered balloon to the City of Oxford.

Mr Dunphy added: “Oxford is all about education, history and inspiration and we think there’s a great opportunity here to tell people more about James Sadler.”

Oxford Mail:

He said the former car parking space at the back of the ice rink was the team’s preferred option but it would be happy to discuss alternatives. City council spokesman Mish Tullar said: “If Mr Dunphy wishes to make an application for temporary use of OxWED land, he should do so, and it will be assessed by the OxWED board.”