The East Oxford Community Centre is expected to receive a refurbishment, with the council planning to invest over one million pounds.

Next week, the city council cabinet is expected to agree an extra £1.298 million for the East Oxford Community Centre.

The centre has required a refurbishment for some years and in 2016 the community consultation showed support for a full-scale redevelopment which was part funded by building new homes on nearby sites.

City councillor and cabinet member for inclusive communities, Ajaz Rehman, said: “We’re proud to be investing in east Oxford’s communities.

“Good community facilities can make a huge difference to tackling inequality and giving people affordable opportunities.

“It was clear when we restarted the project after the pandemic that there would be increased costs, but over the lifetime of the new centre it will provide so much more value to people here, and it will be a place that inspires and changes lives for generations.”

Inflation on materials and labour in the construction sector has been running high due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

The initial project was put on hold during the pandemic and was re-started in December 2021.

The demolition of the twentieth century buildings and extensions at the centre began in May.

There will also be twelve council owned homes for social rent on the site at Princes Street.