Oxford City Council News
Read news and features about Oxford City Council – one of five district councils in Oxfordshire. It covers Oxford City – from Cutteslowe in the north to Littlemore and Blackbird Leys in the South, and from New Botley in the West to Barton and Sandhills in the East.
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Oxford North unveils plans for major public artwork celebrating moths
Oxford North has submitted plans for The Length of a Moment, a new public artwork of three bronze sculptures inspired by the hidden movements of pollinating moths. The installation will form part of the district’s cultural and ecological vision.
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Big Open Weekend of free family activities returns to four Oxford leisure centres
The Big Open Weekend returns to Oxford on 11 to 12 October, offering free swimming, skating, and family activities across four leisure centres.
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Two motorists convicted in Oxford crackdown on blue badge misuse
Two motorists have been convicted of blue badge misuse in Oxford, with fines totalling nearly £3,000. Oxfordshire County Council says enforcement will continue to protect disabled residents who rely on the scheme for essential access and independence.
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Five Oxfordshire chefs share their stories as City of Oxford Guild of Chefs launches careers campaign
The City of Oxford Guild of Chefs has launched a campaign featuring five local chefs sharing their stories to inspire new talent. The initiative highlights both the life skills and rewarding career opportunities that come from working in the kitchen.
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Anneliese Dodds MP responds to Andrew Gant’s letter on Oxford congestion charge
Anneliese Dodds MP has responded to Andrew Gant’s open letter on Oxford’s congestion charge, criticising the scheme’s priorities and defending Labour councillors against claims they oppose safer pedestrian crossings. The row highlights growing divisions ahead of the £5 charge’s October rollout.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Greyarc Investments unveils plans for redevelopment of Building 2700 into OxBio Hub
Greyarc Investments has revealed plans to transform Oxford Business Park’s former Oxfam HQ into OxBio Hub, a flexible, sustainable innovation campus designed for science and technology companies, providing lab-ready spaces, modern amenities and growth opportunities.
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Oxford tourist tax proposal sparks debate among businesses
Oxford businesses are divided over a proposed tourist tax, with some warning it could add pressure on hotels already grappling with a congestion charge. The city council says the levy, introduced through an Abid, could raise £2.5m a year.
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GCSE students offered guidance in Oxfordshire County Council after receiving results
Your GCSEs are just the beginning. Discover where to find guidance on college, training, and career options across Oxfordshire.
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Oxford United stadium plans recommended for approval ahead of key planning meeting
Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-seat stadium in Kidlington have been recommended for approval, with a key Cherwell District Council planning committee meeting set for 14 August before referral to the Secretary of State.
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Tribute exhibition for Ana Arroyave opens at Magdalen Road Studios in Oxford
A moving new art exhibition, Through Love, will open at Magdalen Road Studios on 5 September, celebrating the life of Oxford-born social worker Ana Arroyave, who died of a stroke in 2020. Created by her sister, artist Maria Arroyave, the exhibition features mixed media and collage pieces that explore grief and transformation.
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Campaigners warn Oxford unitary council plan would swallow Green Belt
CPRE Oxfordshire has condemned plans for a new Oxford unitary council, warning expanded boundaries would fuel urban sprawl and damage the Green Belt. The city council says the proposal could deliver 40,000 new homes by 2040 to address housing need.
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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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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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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.