|
Three is the magic number
Together with our housing company OX Place, we were successful in winning three awards for new homes in the Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) Awards 2022 this week.
OX Place was a three-time winner in the New Buildings category. Its development of 43 new homes at The Oval and Ashhurst Way in Rose Hill was one of three Plaque winners, with new homes at Cumberlege Close and Edgecombe Road each picking up a certificate of commendation.
The OPT Awards seek to recognise the contribution that projects, large and small, can make to Oxford’s character and communities.Â
Our three awards bear testament to OX Place’s commitment to high quality design – see the pictures below – and making a positive contribution to the public realm with affordable low carbon homes.
|
|
Census shows Oxford a diverse and youthful city
Oxford’s population has grown by 6.7% since 2011 and continues to be predominantly working age with a 7% increase in people born overseas, according to the latest census data.
Oxford’s national and international reputation attracts migrants from across the UK and the world, with the highest represented non-English groups coming from:
- India (3,601)
- USA (3,070)
- Poland (2,773)
- China (2,565)
- Pakistan (2,558)
- Germany (2,023)
- Scotland (2,041)
The picture in Oxford reflects national trends on migration, with an overall growth in migration for England and Wales of around 2.5million since the 2011 census, from 7.5million to 10million residents born overseas.
The number of EU-born residents in Oxford is 1% higher than ten years ago. As the period covers the Brexit referendum and implementation, this change may mask a pre-referendum growth followed by a reduction in the number of EU citizens in Oxford.
The majority of the population is aged 18-40, with a very high proportion in the 18-22 age group, as would be expected for a university city.
|
|
Do You Fuel Good?
Do You Fuel Good? That's what pupils from Windmill Primary School wanted to know this week.Â
On Wednesday, we officially launched our 'Fuel Good' campaign. We were joined by the schoolchildren, Imogen Thomas, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, and Oxford Friends of the Earth for the event.Â
The campaign aims to educate and inform anyone who uses wood burning stoves and open fireplaces on the harms they cause, and inform them of ways to reduce their negative impacts on human health and the environment.
You can find out more by heading to the website.
Event: How do we fix the energy and climate crisis?
Join Oxford Friends of the Earth and speakers from the green energy sector, campaign groups and community groups to discuss how we can tackle the energy and climate crisis.Â
The public meeting will take place on Thursday 10 November at Wesley Memorial Hall on New Inn Hall Street from 6.15pm.
The event will be an opportunity to talk to leading figures in the field and find out what is happening to tackle the crisis.Â
This is a free event but we would encourage you to register in advance.Â
|
|
Hunt for the Lost Toys
Stuck for ways to keep the over-excited little ones busy this Christmas?
All you need is your smart phone, as Hunt for the Lost Toys takes families on a free trail through the centre of Oxford searching for the Christmas Imps.
The trail works by using QR codes, without the need to download or sign up to anything. Ten city centre businesses will be displaying an image of a different Christmas Imp in their window.
All you need to do is scan each QR code, choose what happens and watchg the characters burst into life in augmented reality. The trail takes about 90 minutes to complete and can be done in more than one visit.
Hunt for the Lost Toys runs from 18 November 2022 until the New Year.
|
|
 |
|
Oxford 2040Â
The Oxford Local Plan 2040 is a planning document that shapes the city for the good of its people,
Last year we collected your views on what Oxford's future issues could be.Â
One of the challenges identified was the city's inequality and the need to reduce this and create opportunities for all.
Addressing inequalities in housing, employment and in health and wellbeing is a main focus of #Oxford2040.
|
|
|
Botley Road closure
Network Rail has issued an update about its plans to replace the rail bridge over the Botley Road in Oxford, as part of its wider project to expand the station on the western side.
Detailed discussions with Oxfordshire County Council led to the conclusion that there should be a 12-month closure of the Botley Road for the duration of the work.
Due to scale and nature of the works on the highway, including the need to divert vital utility services such as water, gas and electricity, the impact on Botley Road will be significant. Network Rail plans to publicise further details in mid-November.
More detailed information on all of this will be communicated by Network Rail to local communities from November via letters, briefings and drop-in sessions. Further information about the project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordphase2
|
|
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day
Oxford will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect our freedom at Remembrance services next week.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, in partnership with the Oxford City branch of the Royal British Legion, is set to host a Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial in St Giles’ on Sunday 13 November.
There will also be a service marking Armistice Day on Friday 11 November, starting at 10.55am in Oxford Town Hall.
If you would like to purchase a poppy, you can pick one up from Oxford Town Hall. Or you can buy one at the Royal British Legion online shop.
|
Consultation on affordable, low carbon homes
More than 100 people attended a community drop-in event on Tuesday to find out how our housing company OX Place place aims to build 31 affordable, low carbon homes in Bertie Place.
If you couldn’t attend, you can view the plans and give your feedback until 18 November.
Â
|
|
|
|
