Plans unveiled for £100m Blackbird Leys redevelopment scheme in UK

Oxford City Council and its development partner Catalyst Housing have unveiled the details of ‘concept masterplan’ for the proposed £100m Blackbird Leys redevelopment scheme in the UK. The move follows the completion of months of community planning days, workshops and pop-up consultation events with Blackbird Leys residents. Backed by funding from the City Council’s Cabinet, the Blackbird Leys redevelopment scheme will comprise around 275 new homes, a new community centre, new shops, and improved green and public spaces. It is being developed in two phases. Following the consultation with residents in the coming months, the concept masterplan is planned to be refined to outline the precise number of houses and other detailed design. The project, which is planned to be constructed over two city council-owned sites, will involve the construction of around 84 new homes on land between Knights Road and the Kassam Stadium, and around 55 new homes in land south of Evenlode Tower. Work will also include the demolition of the existing ‘Top Shops’ site to build around 96 new homes in a low-rise block as well as building a new community centre and a separate mixed-use building featuring retail on the ground floor and around 48 flats above. The parties are planning to submit an application for the redevelopment project in early 2021 and subsequently secure planning permission for the construction of the first phase in 2022 and the second phase in 2024.