The transformation of an Oxford ward is set to begin with hundreds of affordable homes, retail spaces and community facilities, following the approval of formal planning permission.

The project at Blackbird Leys is a collaboration between housing association Peabody, formerly known as Catalyst, and Oxford City Council.

This follows four years of engagement with the community and receiving more than 1,500 pieces of feedback.

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The plans are focused on addressing Oxford's housing shortage by building 294 homes across two key sites.

The new district centre will include 210 homes, where 83 per cent will be for social or affordable rent and 17 percent for shared ownership.

An additional 84 shared ownership houses will be built at Knights Road.

Oxford Mail: A model of how Knights Road will look A model of how Knights Road will look (Image: Oxford City Council)

Further to housing solutions, the district centre will offer green spaces, shops and a community centre for the Blackbird Leys community and those living and working locally.

Also planned are improved roads featuring a segregated cycle path, providing enhanced infrastructure for residents.

Peabody and Oxford City Council have been in active dialogue with the community since April 2019, hosting more than 15 events to take residents' input.

Various methods, including door knocks, leaflet drops, webinars and in-person events were adopted to engage with the community.

With planning permission received and agreements finalised, the project’s contractor, Hill, has started preparation work including putting up hoardings at existing locations such as the community centre and Evenlode Tower parking and garages.

The aged community centre is expected to be demolished by the end of this month.

Inviting local participation, Hill will host a ‘meet the builder’ event on January 31, allowing residents to interact with the construction team and learn more about the project.

Simon Barry, managing director, development at Peabody said: "We’ve come a long way since we first engaged with the community in 2019 about our proposals for Blackbird Leys, so I’m delighted to now see work beginning on site.

"This marks a critical step forward in our programme to rejuvenate this area with much-needed affordable homes and purpose-built high-quality public spaces."

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys Blackbird Leys (Image: Oxford Mail)

Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, Oxford City Council, added: "The start of construction work on site is a major milestone in the long history of this project.

“I’d like to thank local people for bearing with us over the years as the scheme was paused and re-started and the vision for a new district centre for Blackbird Leys was developed.

"We now have work commencing on a scheme which will deliver nearly 300 much-needed new affordable homes, modern shops and a brand-new community centre, which will be a big boost for residents of Blackbird Leys."

This redevelopment project has been substantially supported by Homes England with their housing grant and infrastructure funding, playing an instrumental role in the advancement of the Blackbird Leys project.