Oxford City Council is preparing to open a new face-to-face support centre at 15–17 George Street as part of plans to strengthen services for residents and expand homelessness support.
The new centre is expected to improve access to in-person services, particularly for people experiencing homelessness, while delivering projected annual savings of £150,000.
The council said the move is intended to strengthen homelessness prevention by expanding direct contact services, building on recent investment in prevention programmes.
At present, most homelessness assessments are carried out by telephone, but the council says face-to-face support allows for more personalised assessment, improved understanding of health and wellbeing needs, and stronger decision-making.
Officials say this approach is expected to particularly benefit single people with additional support needs.
The larger George Street site has been selected to host the enhanced in-person service, while home visits and telephone support will continue for residents unable to attend in person.
The council’s existing customer service operation currently based at Oxford Westgate Library is also expected to relocate to the new centre, with potential for partner organisations to share the site.
Work is underway to establish the new service, with opening planned for spring 2026 following approved capital and revenue funding.
Current face-to-face appointments take place within the customer service centre at the library, where space limitations mean appointments for housing support are currently only available two days each week.
The new George Street premises were selected after an extensive search as the most suitable available site in terms of size and layout.
Planned facilities include a reception area, open-plan desks for customer services, three private interview rooms and step-free single-floor access for both residents and staff.
Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, said: “With the move to George Street, we are significantly strengthening our face-to-face offer for residents while delivering real value for money. This new centre will allow us to provide a five-day-a-week service in a space designed for privacy, accessibility, and effective partnership working.”
He added: “This is a positive step forward for both residents and staff, and one that ensures we can continue delivering high-quality support in the heart of Oxford.”
The new site will increase face-to-face homelessness support from two days a week to five days a week.
Its central location is expected to improve accessibility for residents travelling by public transport from across the city.
