Oxford launches consultation on redevelopment of Blackbird Leys

In person and virtual events are scheduled this month to get public feedback on plans to regenerate an area in Oxford, with new homes, improved public spaces and community facilities.

The plans would see a £100m investment in Blackbird Leys, with the council’s development partner, Catalyst, expected to build 294 new homes, including 174 homes at social rent and 46 for shared ownership.

Oxford City Council and Catalyst have been developing their vision for Blackbird Leys with the community since 2019, but this consultation will allow the public to discuss the plans face-to-face with the Council for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Cllr Alex Hollingsworth, Oxford City Council cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: ‘We’re approaching an important milestone in the long planned redevelopment of Blackbird Leys. We’d like as many people as possible to have their say and help shape the future of their neighbourhood.

‘The latest proposals will benefit people on Blackbird Leys by providing improved, high quality community buildings with better public space, safer, healthier and more sustainable travel, and more jobs and training. They will also deliver much needed homes. If you want us to tackle systemic inequality in our city by building more affordable homes, please take part in our consultation.’

Catalyst is aiming to submit a planning application for the project in the Autumn, and if approved, construction on the first phase of the development could begin in late 2022.

Joe Marshall, managing director for new homes (counties) at Catalyst, said: ‘We’re so pleased to be able to get out and meet people in person again, after spending so much of the past year and meeting people virtually. I hope residents are looking forward to coming down to our drop-in sessions, finding out more about the project and how they can influence and shape our proposals and vision.

‘We want to get this right for local residents, and we can only do that by listening to them. With their input, our proposals have the potential to improve the quality of life for Blackbird Leys residents by providing them with a vibrant and sustainable town centre with healthy green spaces, a new community centre and hundreds of new affordable homes.’

In related news, residents and businesses are invited to give feedback on Liverpool’s Local Plan, which sets out how the city will meet the challenges of a rising population.

Photo by Sidharth Bhatia