A hundred organisations have found a home and 200 jobs have been created or supported in Oxfordshire through a joint programme delivered by Oxford City Council and Makespace Oxford.

This has been achieved through the 'Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…' project, which was launched in February 2021.

The initiative, designed to reinvigorate high streets in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed vacant units into indie shops, cultural venues, and creative spaces.

Oxford Mail: Makespace OxfordMakespace Oxford (Image: Makespace Oxford)

Alongside boosting visits, the programme offers a lifeline to start-ups and social enterprises, granting them affordable and flexible spaces to grow their businesses.

'Meanwhile in Oxfordshire...' forms part of the larger £8.4 million investment secured by OxLEP via the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

OxLEP procured around £1.9 million specifically for this project.

The programme has so far revitalised 35,985 sq ft of space, secured 28 leases, rejuvenated 28 units, and created or supported 200 jobs across the 100 organisations it has housed.

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council and cabinet member for inclusive economy and partnerships, said: "We want to make sure that independent local businesses, social enterprises and local people are sharing in our successful local economy and ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire...' is one of the ways we can do this.

"We are proud to have reached this amazing milestone, which not only supports our local economy but also enriches our communities.

"I look forward to its continued success."

Oxford Mail: Lula's Ethiopian and Eritrean CuisineLula's Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine (Image: Emily Jarrett)

Examples of organisations benefiting from 'Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…' include Y.O.U Underwear, which opened its first shop in Oxford's Covered Market as part of the project.

Thanks to the support from Makespace, it has since grown into a larger unit within the market and is now rated as the UK's highest-scoring B-Corp.

Additionally, The Community Works, a hub space in central Oxford, houses ten creative and community organisations.

Lula's Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine, opened in December 2022, is based at The Community Works and has claimed a place in the top five Oxford restaurants on TripAdvisor.

The African Caribbean Autism Family Support Group, established in 2018, now operates in a dedicated space at The Charter Studios, thanks to the 'Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…' initiative.

Andy Edwards, co-founder and director of Makespace Oxford, said: "This is the culmination of an enormous and ongoing collaborative effort.

"Together we are breaking down barriers, building more diverse and vibrant urban centres and a stronger local economy."

According to Council reports, the initiative will encourage a more inclusive and circular economy by meeting the needs of residents, upgrading the energy efficiency of properties, offering units at affordable rents and showing preference to organisations that pay the Oxford Living Wage.

It also prioritises organisations willing to provide work placements, traineeships, or apprenticeships.