Local news: Oxford
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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.
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Oxford United’s new stadium to deliver jobs and local growth
Cycas Hospitality which will operate a 180-room Radisson hotel at Oxford United’s proposed new stadium has voiced strong support for the project citing its potential to create up to 80 permanent hotel jobs and benefit the local economy.
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Oxford congestion charge faces Labour and business opposition
A proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford has sparked fierce debate, with Labour, local businesses and residents warning of risks to livelihoods, while supporters argue it will cut congestion and speed up buses.
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Barton Leisure Centre hosts Big Open Day with free activities and gym access
On Saturday, 12 July, Barton Leisure Centre will host a Big Open Day packed with free activities for all ages. Highlights include swimming taster sessions led by qualified instructors, family fun swims, and inflatable pool courses.
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Businesses and residents divided over Oxford congestion charge plans
Oxford’s £5 daily congestion charge has sparked a heated debate, with over 11,000 signatures against the scheme. Supporters say it will cut traffic, while critics warn it risks small businesses.
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Greater Oxford Council plan enters consultation phase across county
Oxford City Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace Oxfordshire’s six local councils with three, including a new Greater Oxford Council. The plan aims to simplify local governance, improve service delivery, and make councils more responsive.