Once the revamped Westgate Centre finally reopened in 2017, all eyes were on Oxford’s next major development project.
And people didn’t have to look too far - on the other side of Oxpens Road, the next big scheme is under way and a planning application could be submitted later this year.
Developers OxWED, the joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College, shared its plans with the public last year through a combination of public exhibitions and site tours.
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People were asked for their views on the multi-million pound scheme which will create 3,000 new jobs, 300 new homes, two new hotels and an amphitheatre.
Developers are looking at opportunities for Oxpens - a 15-acre site between Oxpens Road and the river - to be a ‘new quarter’ for the city, featuring a new amphitheatre and other attractions.
Start your walk with some refreshments at the Jam Factory cafe in Frideswide Square, or at the Platform 5 cafe opposite.
If you don’t have time to stop, you could always grab a sandwich from Sainsbury’s next to Platform 5, which opened in the Oxford Hotel Building at the end of 2019.
Then, at the roundabout outside the station entrance turn left into Becket Street, and walk to the end of the street alongside the long-stay car park.
At the end of the street you will see the Student Castle development, which is on the edge of the Oxpens development site.
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On land behind the student accommodation developers are planning to build two hotels and an amphitheatre, and open up the riverside.
Making Oxpens Meadow a more accessible space is also a core principle within the emerging masterplan.
And improved walking and cycling links will be helped by a new ‘Osney Bridge’ which is scheduled to connect Oxpens to Osney Mead.
If you have time, it’s worth backtracking through Frideswide Square to the Jam Factory.
Turn right into Oxpens Road and walk past the ice rink - which will stay in place when new developments - and will see Oxpens Meadow on your right.
Walk across the meadow towards the river and you will be able to see the Oxpens development site from a different angle.
It’s a good place to visualise how the city’s West End will one day be linked up - from the Westgate Centre, through to Oxpens, the railway station and Osney Mead.
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It’s difficult to believe that scrubland behind the Student Castle development will one day feature two new hotels and an amphitheatre. But if the plans are approved, major development will be taking place in this part of the city over the next few years.
After walking around the area where Oxpens is being revamped, visit the Westgate Centre’s rooftop terrace for a view of the streets below.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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