News
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New Crazy Bear Head Chef Andrei Voicu aims to celebrate British food and farming
Andrei Voicu becomes head chef at the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton, bringing Michelin-star experience and a passion for celebrating British food, seasonal produce and charcoal cooking inspired by Gordon Ramsay.
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Oxfordshire charities face sustainability test in 2026
More Oxfordshire charities closed than opened in 2025, according to new data. Sector leaders warn rising costs and fundraising pressures are testing sustainability, urging organisations to rethink partnerships, supporter engagement and risk management to remain resilient in 2026.
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Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts expands across Oxfordshire with new opening in Bloxham
A new Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has opened in Bloxham, led by the Martin family. The launch marks the fourth PQA in Oxfordshire and reflects rising demand for performing arts education across the region.
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Flex Health Hub launches at Signal Yard to boost workplace wellbeing
A new clinically led wellness facility has opened at Signal Yard, Milton Park. Flex Health Hub combines physiotherapy, rehabilitation and fitness services, offering expert-led classes and tailored employer programmes to improve workplace wellbeing and support long-term health.
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Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns
A thinktank has warned that Oxfordshire’s proposed local government restructure risks becoming a “great distraction” if not done properly – shifting focus from pressing issues like affordable housing, transport, and public services, leaving local residents unsure of who is responsible for key decisions.
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Alloyed secures £1m funding for next-gen 3D-printed superalloy components for jet engines
Alloyed has secured £1m from the ATI Programme to accelerate development of ABD-1000AM, a high-temperature nickel superalloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project, with ITP Aero and Cranfield University, aims to support next-generation jet engines using advanced 3D-printed components.
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Oxfordshire’s laboratory market sees mixed activity in 2025, according to data
Oxfordshire’s lab and office markets saw a mixed 2025, with total laboratory take-up of 620,200 sq ft driven largely by The Ellison Institute’s 450,000 sq ft acquisition at Oxford Science Park. Smaller deals slowed due to tighter funding, creating a two-tier demand pattern across the county’s science and office locations.
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First plans submitted for South Oxford Science Village with 3,000 new homes
The first plans for South Oxford Science Village have been submitted, proposing 3,000 homes, employment, and community facilities south of Oxford. Savills aims to create a sustainable, 21st-century neighbourhood that blends living, working, and leisure for future residents.
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Fishers Vale officially opens in Marston, delivering 40 fully affordable homes
Fishers Vale, a new affordable housing development in Old Marston, Oxford, has officially opened. The 40-home scheme includes 21 council homes and 19 shared ownership properties, designed with sustainability in mind and delivered through a partnership between OX Place, Oxford City Council, and Lucy Developments.
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Chatty Bus partners with charities to tackle loneliness across Oxfordshire
The Chatty Bus scheme is partnering with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity to host a series of events across Oxfordshire this year. Passengers can connect, share stories, and access local support, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the community.
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Bidwells appoints Jamie Renison to its Commercial Agency team in Oxford
Bidwells has strengthened its Oxford Commercial Agency team with the appointment of Jamie Renison as Head of New Business. Bringing 25 years of experience in science and technology property, he will drive complex projects across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor.
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Gardner Leader strengthens employment team with two senior appointments
Gardner Leader has expanded its employment team with the appointment of Partner Michelle Morgan and Senior Associate Catherine Morris. The strategic hires bring extensive experience in corporate employment matters, litigation and HR advisory work, further strengthening the firm’s offering across the Thames Valley and beyond.
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New Theatre Oxford announces audition opportunity for young performers
New Theatre Oxford has partnered with Scott’s Performing Arts to offer young performers aged 8–18 the chance to audition for Fame Jr. Successful applicants will rehearse and perform the high-energy musical on the theatre’s main stage this August, supported by industry professionals.
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Thomas White Oxford launches search for residential partner for Eastside homes at Oxford North
Thomas White Oxford is seeking a residential development partner to deliver up to 161 energy-efficient homes at the Eastside site within Oxford North. With outline consent secured and 50 per cent affordable housing planned, the scheme marks the next phase of the city’s flagship innovation district.
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Green light for landmark HQ redevelopment at Bicester Motion
Plans to restore and extend the former Station Offices at Bicester Motion have been approved by Cherwell District Council. The 1926 neo-Georgian buildings at the gateway to the Technical Site will become a landmark HQ workspace for motorsport and future mobility brands.
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FunParx to open 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park at Banbury’s Castle Quay in 2026
Castle Quay will welcome FunParx, a 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park, in summer 2026. Featuring inflatables, obstacle courses, slides and arcade games, the park will create 50 jobs and add a major new family-friendly attraction to Banbury’s canalside leisure and retail destination.