Oxfordshire County Council has exchanged contracts for the sale of County Hall, paving the way for the transformation of the landmark building into a high-quality hotel as part of the continued regeneration of Oxford’s West End.
The proposed purchaser is global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, acting on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. The redevelopment will be delivered by developers Reef Origin, who bring existing experience of working in Oxford.
The council said the transaction follows a competitive marketing process launched in autumn 2024, which attracted 19 bids. Proposals were assessed against a range of criteria to ensure best value for taxpayers and deliverability of the scheme, with interest spanning a wide mix of potential uses including offices, science labs, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial space and community uses.
Receipts from the sale will be reinvested into the refurbishment and upgrading of Speedwell House on Speedwell Street, which is intended to become the Council’s future operational base.
However, a recently identified potentially significant archaeological discovery at the Speedwell House site means staff may not be able to occupy the building as planned from spring 2027, when the move out of County Hall is scheduled to take place. The Council said a temporary alternative base would need to be identified if necessary.
At its February 2025 cabinet meeting, officers recommended the freehold disposal of County Hall following detailed analysis of bids. With contracts now exchanged, the identity of the successful bidder and its intended use for the site can be confirmed.
County Hall, which dates from 1973, currently provides primarily office accommodation. The adjacent Old County Hall, built in 1841 and including the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court, is Grade II* listed and forms a key heritage element of the wider site.
Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said:
“These plans are very exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. L&G and Reef are offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will complement and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.
“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”
Old County Hall was included in the marketing of the site to allow the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.
All listed buildings are legally protected meaning any alterations, extensions, or demolitions must receive consent from Oxford City Council who, when considering the planning application from the developer, would be required to protect its character and historical integrity.
Rob Codling, Head of Commercial Funds – Real Estate Equity, L&G:
“We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of County Hall Oxford. This represents a fantastic opportunity which builds on L&G’s established investor presence in Oxford and track record of delivering high-quality real estate throughout the city. Oxford is a vibrant city brimming with innovation, creativity and history, and we are continually dedicated to funding and developing assets which support the wider city’s economy and society.
“The repurposing of the Listed Old County Hall and the redevelopment of County Hall aims to deliver a high-quality hotel with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. We look forward to transforming the site into a prime asset within the West End of Oxford, all while upholding the historic legacy and rich charm of the building.”
Will Rohleder, a partner at Reef Origin, said:
“Reef are delighted to have been selected to reposition this important project in Oxford City Centre. This will be our fourth major scheme in the last eight years having recently completed the redevelopment of the Boswells Department Store into the Store Hotel and secured planning for Beaver House.
“We are fully aware of the sensitivities regarding this asset and the Grade II * listed Old County Hall and will work closely with the county council and other key stakeholders to make sure it is curated accordingly.
“This is not just about preserving an important part of Oxford’s history but about breathing new life into it. By blending sustainability with heritage, we can create spaces that celebrate the history while paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.
“Old County Hall will include a mixture of restaurant, bar and gallery uses as well as a roof terrace open to the public to enjoy the stunning views across the famous city roofscape. We will also look to landscape and soften the buildings frontage and service yard to create external seating and a pocket garden sanctuary for both local residents and visitors.”
