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Housing

Redevelopment of Blackbird Leys 

We've been working with Catalyst (part of the Peabody Group) on plans to build high quality affordable homes, retail space, and new community facilities in the heart of Blackbird Leys.

Together we've submitted a planning application with detailed plans for 294 new social rent and shared ownership homes across two sites, the district centre and Knights Road. It also contains plans for a new community centre and community square.

The plans for a new district centre include 210 new homes, which will be a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership. The site will also provide:

• green open spaces including community gardens
• new and improved shops
• a new community centre
• improved road infrastructure and a safe, segregated cycle route

The remaining 84 new homes are planned for Knights Road and will all be sold as shared ownership, giving people the opportunity to get onto the property ladder in Oxford. 

The application comes from extensive engagement with the local community and we will continue to work with them to develop detailed designs for the new community centre. 

The neighbourhood will be sustainable and eco-friendly, with a focus on boosting wildlife and healthy living. The design includes a new central green space for natural informal play and a nature trail.  

Climate Emergency

Going Ultra Low Oxford this spring

The second phase of Go Ultra Low Oxford - a project which trials different electric vehicle options for people who do not have off-street parking - is coming to Oxford this spring. 

The project was established as one of the first on-street EV charging pilots in the world and saw a mix of 43 lamppost, bollard and cable gulley chargers delivered across the city. 

Now, taking it one charge further and will provide charging facilities for up to 1600 people through further chargers and cable gullies installed across the city for residents and car clubs.

The chargers will be installed in a mix of on-street locations and residential charging hubs in car parks close to residential areas. This mix will help to avoid street clutter and keep pavements accessible while providing EV charging within walking distance for people who park on the street.

The majority of installation will happen this year or in early 2024 to keep up with EV demand. According to the latest DVLA data, in January 2023, almost half (49.88%) of vehicles newly registered in Oxfordshire were electric, the highest uptake figures in the UK.

If you would like your street to be considered for an electric charging point in phase two of the project, please register your interest here. 

Climate Action Oxfordshire 

Solar panels are for the whole year, not just summer

It may feel like winter is never-ending and grey skies are the norm, but did you know that solar panels can be useful all year round? They're not just for the sunny days to come. 

Solar panels are a great way to reduce the pollution created by your electricity, signal to your neighbours the importance of clean energy, and even save money in the long run. 

When installed in your home, solar panels power your electricals, and any power left over can be either stored (if you have additional storage capacity) or exported to the grid.

Together, small changes add up to big action so head over to their website if you want to be a part of something. 

Communities 

One year of war in Ukraine 

Today marks one year since Ukraine was invaded by Putin and the Russian Army. At 11am we marked the day with a minute of silence, paying our respects to those who have lost their lives or have had them changed so drastically in the past year. 

We are also flying the Ukrainian flag over Town Hall to show solidarity with Ukrainians in Oxford and around the world.

There are various ways that you can continue to show your support for Ukraine. One of the most important things is, if you're able to, to open your home to refugees. 

If you have a spare room or home and can make it available for at least six months, you could help a Ukrainian family and become a host through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

A monthly thank-you payment of £550 per month will be paid to you for the time you are sponsoring and hosting someone, and local refugee charities will be offering support and guidance. 

Big Swim Day 

Today is Big Swim Day, a national initiative that wants to show Government how important our local swimming pools are. 

The idea is that if as many people as possible visit their pool and share their love for swimming via social media or in a letter to their MP it will encourage them to support the pools to stay open. 

It might be too late for you to visit a pool today, however, you can continue to support your pool any day of the year. 

Economy

Park that bike 

Can you think of a business or organisation that would benefit from free cycle parking?

If they have private land available with space for cycle parking then they might be eligible for free cycle racks via our partnership scheme with Park the Bike.

The stands need to provide benefits for the public so applications from community centres, places of worship, open retail frontages, sports venues and community gardens are especially encouraged.

For more information and or to complete an application form just click the button below. 

Meet the buyer 

Do you know a business in Oxford that might want to work with us?

On Tuesday (28 February) we’re hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event from 9.30am to 3pm at Oxford Town Hall.

It’s an opportunity for local businesses to find out how they can sell to (or buy from) Oxford City Council.

The event will include speakers, networking opportunities, demonstrations and ‘how to’ workshops.

Owners of local businesses of any size are welcome to attend – and you can attend the full day or just the talk you’re interested in.

To find out more, to see the full schedule and to register your interest in attending, please visit our Eventbrite page.

Useful information for Oxford 

Oxford Residents' Panel

Oxfordshire County Council

Oxfordshire residents urged to help county ‘win at waste’

Visitors to Oxfordshire’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are being asked to separate recyclable material from their general waste before disposing of it.

Oxfordshire County Council wants residents to sort their mixed rubbish out before their visit, in a bid to prevent items that can be recycled from ending up in the general waste and bulky skips.

Visitors are encouraged to separate their recycling so it can be put into the relevant containers which are on site, including plastics, card, textiles and shoes, metals and electrical items, before setting off.

Small story 

Dancin' Oxford 

Dancin’ Oxford’s Spring dance festival offers an exciting action-packed 10 days of dance; featuring high-quality performances, low-cost fun, friendly taster dance workshops and much more.

The Dancin' Oxford Festival, now 17 years old, is as varied and exciting as ever and kicks off with a vibrant afternoon of dance performances in the heart of Westgate Oxford. A large stage plays host to some wonderful performances by dancers and companies from Oxford and across the UK. There will even be a chance to join in and have a go. Best of all, it’s all free!

With opportunities for whole families and people of all generations to get together, have fun and experience dance at its very best…why not check out the full festival programme

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