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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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.
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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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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.
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Oxford North launches Engage programme to unite science, arts and community
Oxford North has unveiled Engage, a long-term arts, culture, and social value programme focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths). Delivered by IF Oxford in collaboration with Modern Art Oxford, Creation Theatre, and Fusion Arts, the initiative brings immersive community projects and events to the new innovation district.
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Oxford City Council confident of funding Cowley Branch Line despite review silence
Oxford City Council says it remains confident of securing funding to reopen the Cowley Branch Line, despite the project being absent from the government’s recent spending review. The scheme, which would add two stations near Oxford Science Park and ARC Oxford, depends on a £20 million local contribution.
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“Little Lungs, Big Impact” kicks off at Oxford’s Serco-run leisure centres
More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), in partnership with Serco Leisure, has launched the “Little Lungs, Big Impact” initiative to ban smoking and vaping near entrances of its leisure centres in Oxford. The campaign prioritises children’s health by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke.