Local news: Oxford
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Reeds Solicitors LLP promotes Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper to partners
Reeds Solicitors LLP, a leading national law firm headquartered in Oxford, has announced the promotion of three new partners: Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper. Their promotions raise the total number of partners to 18, with a third now being women.
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ARC Oxford begins construction of 105,000 sq. ft landmark lab and office development
Construction has officially begun on ARC Oxford’s 105,000 sq. ft Ascent development, a landmark lab and office space set to drive innovation in the science and technology sectors. The project was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by key political and business leaders.
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British interiors brand OKA relocates headquarters to Milton Park innovation hub
British interiors brand OKA has returned to Milton Park in Oxfordshire, relocating its headquarters to a custom-designed 12,971 sq ft office that reflects its design-led heritage. Founded in 1999, OKA has grown from a mail-order business to a national brand with 13 stores.
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City Sightseeing Oxford named world’s top open-top bus tour operator
City Sightseeing Oxford has been crowned the world’s top open-top bus tour operator. The Oxford team earned the prestigious Operator of the Year award for exceptional service, safety, branding, and innovation, including its recent £4m investment in an all-electric fleet.
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Whit Stillman heads to Oxford’s Ultimate Picture Palace for a special screening of Metropolitan
Acclaimed indie filmmaker Whit Stillman will visit Oxford’s Ultimate Picture Palace for a special 35mm screening of his debut film Metropolitan (1990), followed by a live Q&A. A surprise hit of the 1990s, Metropolitan is a witty look at New York’s debutante scene.
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Play2Give football tournament 2025 raises most ever for Oxford Children’s Hospital
The Didcot-based charity founded by Andy Baker, hosted its biggest football tournament yet on 13 July, raising a record £7,455 for Oxford Children’s Hospital. The event saw 18 teams from local businesses, friends, and charities compete in Wallingford on one of the hottest days of the year.
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Oxford Town Hall restoration begins with expert stonework and cleaning
Oxford City Council is moving ahead with the restoration of the iconic Town Hall, a key civic and cultural landmark. Specialist firm PAYE Stonework & Restoration Ltd has been appointed to lead the project, which includes cleaning and repairing the building’s stone façade.
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Property consultancy Vail Williams secures five Oxford city centre shop lettings
Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully let five Oxford city centre retail units in quick succession, reflecting high demand for premises in the historic city. Acting for landlords including Lincoln College and St Peter’s College, the firm secured tenants such as Loake Shoemakers and Knead bakery.
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Oxford city centre ranks third lowest in UK high street vacancy rates
Oxford city centre has the third-lowest high street vacancy rate among the UK’s 63 largest cities, according to new data from the Centre for Cities. The report highlights Oxford’s resilience, with a 9% vacancy rate and a strong retail presence supported by a small catchment area and robust visitor economy.
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Free pop-up play events return to Oxford for families with children under five
Families in Oxford have two more weeks to enjoy free pop-up play events designed for children aged five and under, organised by Oxfordshire County Council with support from local partners.
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Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership secures £10m funding boost for 2025/26
Oxfordshire County Council and local bus operators have secured over £10m in funding for 2025–26 to enhance bus services across the county. The grant will support infrastructure upgrades, such as smart signals and real-time displays, and vehicle improvements.
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Sanofi supports British Transplant Games 2025 to raise awareness for transplant recipients
Sanofi is sponsoring the swimming event at the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxford, reaffirming its dedication to the transplant community. The Games celebrate transplant recipients and promote awareness of life after transplant.