VIEWS are being sought on proposals for hundreds of new homes, plus business units, which are set to change the face of a part of Oxford’s city centre.

A consultation on the redevelopment of Osney Mead and the West End has launched, lasting until August 10.

New homes and businesses are planned for the area, while other projects in the coming years include the creation of new tracks, and better east to west routes at Oxford Train Station.

The major change though is the University of Oxford’s redevelopment of the Osney Mead industrial estate, aiming to turn it into a new science quarter full of research labs, offices and homes.

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That redevelopment will also see the creation of a new foot and cycle bridge between Oxpens and Grandpont.

OxWED, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College, is aiming to redevelop Oxpens, at land between the train station and Oxford Ice Rink, to create new business units, plus 400 new homes.

An initial public consultation took place in March and April 2021 of last year, with the city council now seeking the thoughts of people.

That consultation sought views on what could be included in a planning framework for the huge redevelopment, with that framework known as a supplementary planning document (SPD).

Oxford Mail: An aerial view of Osney Mead. Picture: D Collins/ Jolt MediaAn aerial view of Osney Mead. Picture: D Collins/ Jolt Media

Last month, the city council’s cabinet agreed to go for another round of public consultation on the resulting draft West End and Osney Mead SPD.

Alex Hollingsworth, the city council’s cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: “Oxford’s West End is designated as an area of change in Oxford’s Local Plan.

“The West End and Osney Mead SPD, together with the supporting evidence set out in the spatial framework, sets out a vision for the West End – underpinned by stakeholder input and engagement.

Oxford Mail: Oxford City Council’s Alex Hollingsworth. Picture: Jon LewisOxford City Council’s Alex Hollingsworth. Picture: Jon Lewis

“The aim of the SPD is to set out how the West End and its major new developments will become a thriving extension of the city centre over the next 25 years, within a spatial framework that provides a context for transport and movement, public realm, infrastructure delivery and design principles.

“The documents will provide advice and guidance to shape the development coming forward in the West End and Osney Mead area of Oxford. We want to create a place that is welcoming to all – to work, live, enjoy leisure time and build on Oxford’s strengths as a world-class city.”

To read and comment on the draft SPD for the development, visit: consultation.oxford.gov.uk/planning-services/west-end-osney-mead-spd/

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice