Dear Reader,
Welcome to the April 2009 edition of the Oxford West End Renaissance Newsletter, keeping you up to date with the latest news and programme developments around the regeneration of Oxford's West End. The newsletter is published three times a year, in Spring, Summer and Autumn/Winter, so look out for the next edition in Summer 2009. In the meantime if you have any comments or questions about the West End Renaissance, please contact westend@oxford.gov.uk.
West End Community Group - forthcoming meeting The next West End Community Group (WECG) meeting will take place on Wednesday 20th May, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. For more information, or if you would like to join the WECG, please email westend@oxford.gov.uk or call 01865 249811. Oxford West End - did you know? Park End Street was laid out c.1770 as part of an earlier road scheme to provide a better western route into and out of the city. A number of garages opened along the street during the inter-war period, earning Park End Street the nickname of 'the Street of Wheels'. Oxford West End is business as usual The three parties comprising the Oxford West End Partnership (Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the South East England Development Agency) remain totally committed to the regeneration of the West End. Undoubtedly the recession is having an impact upon the West End Renaissance, with certain development schemes temporarily on hold. However, lots of projects are still moving forward. Pembroke College has submitted a planning application for a major redevelopment scheme in the West End, whilst construction of the Said Business School's new extension is imminent. The Partnership, working alongside Oxfordshire County Council's Transform Oxford project, is using this opportunity to address how the West End's streets and spaces can be improved, making them more attractive and functional for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike. New footbridge for Becket Street Network Rail has begun work to reinstate the Becket Street to Mill Street footbridge. The new bridge has been designed to last 120 years; work will be completed by the end of May, and it will be open for public use from June 2009. Bonn Square civic opening ceremony Bonn Square's civic opening ceremony will take place on Friday 22nd May as part of Bonn Week (20-26 May), a weeklong celebration of Oxford's twin town alliance with the German city of Bonn. The ceremony will involve visiting representatives from Bonn and will be officially opened by the new Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mary Clarkson. A new sculpture by Diana Bell (commissioned as a gift from Bonn to Oxford) will be unveiled, along with a new plaque, as part of the opening event. For more information about Bonn Week, please visit the Oxford City Council website. United Therapeutics in Paradise The Cooper Callas building in Paradise Street, one of the last undeveloped sites within a stone's throw of Oxford castle, has recently been sold for in excess of £3million. The purchaser, United Therapeutics, is a US biotechnology company with close links to the University. They are delighted with the purchase and are reviewing a range of options that will realise both the potential of the site and its setting, in accordance with the West End Area Action Plan. The West End Partnership is continuing to develop its Neighbourhood and Community Cohesion strategy in order to develop an understanding of the local population, make sure everyone has a way to be involved in the programme, and understand the services, needs and aspirations of local people. Stage 1 has already built an understanding of the social and economic make-up of existing residents. This piece of work is now complete and can be viewed via the Oxfordshire Data Observatory's website. Stage 2 explores existing local community identities and networks. Stage 3 is well underway, and will identify services and facilities that already exist in the West End, whether they meet the needs of the current population and what will be needed for the future population. Transform Oxford - Queen Street Phase 1 Oxfordshire County Council is continuing to work in partnership with Network Rail to deliver a south-facing bay platform on part of the Becket Street car park, expand and enhance the passenger facilities and improve the station forecourt as an interchange. This forms part of the county council's 'Access to Oxford' project. The architects, Stride Treglown, have recently been appointed and consultation is due to take place during summer 2009, with implementation scheduled for 2011. Chiltern Railways have begun public consultation on their aspirations to run trains from London Marylebone into Oxford via High Wycombe and Bicester from 2013 as part of their 'Evergreen3' project. This will involve constructing new platforms at the north end of Oxford Station for the additional services. The Westgate Partnership Download the April 2009 newsletter in a print friendly format.
Capital Shopping Centres, promoters of the Westgate proposals, recently bought out their joint venture partner, thereby increasing their investment in the city. Christ Church is equally committed to their development sites that abut Frideswide Square, proactively taking part in a Western Gateway project team (which brings together all of the parties involved in projects in and around the Square to ensure a coherent approach to the design, planning and implementation of what will be an important and exciting entrance to the city).
(Above: a view from the old bridge)
Neighbourhood and Community Cohesion strategy
Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to remove bus stops and reduce bus flows in Queen Street this summer, as part of its Transform Oxford programme. The scheme will reduce noise and pollution and free up extra space for pedestrians. It will be a major step towards a bus-free Queen Street, which has long been an aspiration of the West End Partnership. New surfacing and street furniture will be provided, complementing the new Bonn Square and the improvements in New Inn Hall Street, currently under construction. 
Public consultation on the Queen Street plans ended on 23rd March. A decision will be taken at April's Cabinet Member for Transport meeting, and the outcome will be posted at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transformoxford
Oxford Railway Station enhancements
Oxfordshire County Council and Network Rail are working with Chiltern to ensure that the enhanced Oxford Station will be able to accommodate these proposals, if approved by the Secretary of State. For more information visit www.chiltern-evergreen3.co.uk
The demolition of Evenlode College and The Duke of York public house has commenced. The contract has been awarded to General Demolitions and is for a 14-week period. The Westgate Partnership continues to progress the land assembly and ensure that the site is safe for future development.