Consultancy Lichfields handled the planning process for the student Castle scheme.
The ‘Oxpens’ area, to the south of the city railway station, has been earmarked as a key development opportunity by the local council.
Student accommodation provider Student Castle has just secured planning for its 514-bed scheme on the western side of the site, bordering the railway line.
Student Castle has yet to appoint a builder but is understood to be planning to start work in 2018.
The Oxpens site is largely owned by Oxford City Council and London & Continental Railways with the remainder belonging to Royal Mail, Milton Properties and Greensquare housing.
The proposed student development was designed by the Oxford office of Australian architect Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp.
It will be split into three distinct blocks, and includes commercial, leisure and community uses at the ground-floor level.
The proposals also include 290 cycle parking spaces and will lead to the demolition of the Oxford Business Centre.
Oxpens scheme
- 300 or more houses and flats
- Shops and restuarants
- 10,400 sq m of offices and research and development space
- A 155 bedroom hotel
- Public square and open spaces
- Extension to Becket Street to help with the movement of traffic
- Flood mitigation measures
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