Local news: Oxford
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Oxford City Council approves New Blackbird Leys community centre plans
The purpose-built community centre will provide flexible, welcoming spaces for local residents and groups, with three large halls, a range of office spaces, and comfortable places for people to meet and relax.
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Oxford’s low-carbon housing project reaches highest point of construction
Oxford City Council’s housing company OX Place and Lucy Developments have reached the “topping out” milestone for Marston Paddock, a low-carbon housing project in Old Marston. Due for completion in Autumn 2025, the development will provide 40 affordable homes – 21 for social rent and 19 for shared ownership.
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Oxford City Council and Hill Group celebrate affordable homes project at Canalside
Oxford City Council and The Hill Group have marked a major milestone in the Canalside development at Oxford North, which will deliver 112 affordable homes by 2026. The project includes 90 social rent council homes and 22 shared ownership properties.
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Stepnell strengthens higher education portfolio with major university projects
Complete construction partner Stepnell continues to solidify its role as a higher education construction specialist in Oxfordshire. Currently delivering a £3.3 million live refurbishment at the University of Oxford’s Henry Wellcome Building, Stepnell is enhancing molecular physiology and imaging laboratories.
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SHARE Oxford launches DIY workshops for The Great Big Green Week
SHARE Oxford is launching a series of hands-on workshops during Great Big Green Week (07–14 June), teaching people how to fix household items and learn new skills like bike repair, woodwork, and basket weaving.
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Wychwood School hosts international rugby stars to inspire the next generation
Women’s Rugby World Cup finalist Shaunagh Brown and England Rugby Sevens player Abbie Brown visited Oxford this week to inspire the next generation of players at a charity school tournament organised by Wychwood School.
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Persimmon Homes Wessex offers affordable flats at Didcot Valley Park
Persimmon Homes Wessex has launched new two-bed flats for sale at the Valley Park housing development in west Didcot, starting from £239,995. Buyers can benefit from the Gen H scheme, offering a 15% interest-free equity loan with just a 5% deposit.
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Ferry Leisure Centre opens new indoor cycling studio and upgrades squash courts
Ferry Leisure Centre has unveiled a series of upgrades, including a new indoor cycling studio and refurbished squash courts. The dedicated cycling space, converted from a former squash court, offers both instructor-led and virtual classes for all fitness levels.
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Oxford’s The Store wins national Gin Award, sets new standard in luxury spirits
Oxford’s boutique hotel, The Store, has won “Best in Country” at the World Gin Awards for its house London Dry Gin, crafted with Hawkridge Distillers. The gin, now shortlisted for the world’s best, reflects the hotel’s commitment to authenticity and quality.
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Oxford-based Windle Trust International shortlisted for prestigious charity awards
The charity was shortlisted for the 2025 Charity Awards in the International Aid and Development category for its Accelerated Secondary Education Programme in South Sudan, which provides unqualified primary teachers with a two-year secondary education to improve both teaching quality and access to education.
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New showroom brings 200 years of joinery expertise to Blenheim Palace Sawmills
Allan Brothers, the UK’s oldest timber window and door manufacturer, is opening a new showroom at Blenheim Palace Sawmills near Combe. Set in a renovated 19th-century barn, the showroom will showcase premium timber and Alu Clad products.
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Major milestone reached for Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme
The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme has taken a big step forward with approval to purchase land. Once built, it will reduce flood risk for over 160,000 residents and create a new wetland corridor west of Oxford.