Dear Reader, Welcome to the July 2009 edition of the Oxford West End 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 Autumn/Winter 2009. In the meantime if you have any comments or questions about the West End regeneration, please contact westend@oxford.gov.uk. One of the major redevelopment opportunities within the West End is the western entrance or 'gateway' to the area, namely Frideswide Square and its surroundings. The plan is to establish a grand and imposing public space that reflects the importance of Oxford, instilling a sense of excitement in people entering the city from the west, whilst improving the traffic elements within the square. In order to achieve this critical task, it is important that all the different elements (comprising the Christ Church sites, Oxford Railway Station and the Said Business School) come together cohesively, keeping disruption to a minimum. External consultants, LDA Design, have been appointed as Project Coordinators. Improvements to New Inn Hall Street are now complete except for a few minor works. The changes complement the recently refurbished Bonn Square, whilst enhancing one of the West End's busiest pedestrian routes. This important Oxford thoroughfare has now become a 'shared space' for all road users, encouraging vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to be considerate to each other. The transformation, paid for by the West End Partnership and Oxfordshire County Council, has been received with positive initial reaction from local cycling groups and pedestrians. Transform Oxford - Queen Street Phase 1 Oxfordshire County Council is moving forward with its Transform Oxford programme; proposals which will significantly improve the appearance of central Oxford's streets whilst reducing noise and air pollution. Work in Queen Street has commenced and involves relocating bus stops to nearby streets; reducing the number of buses passing through Queen Street by around one third; creating more space for pedestrians; resurfacing pavements and the road; and replacing street furniture. It will be a major step towards a bus-free Queen Street, which is also high on the West End Partnership's priority list. Relocation of the Queen Street bus stops took place on Sunday 19th July and the enhancement works are due to be completed by October 2009. For more information, including details of these changes, please visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transformoxford. Oxford West End - Did You Know? Morrell's Brewery was originally founded in 1743 by Richard Tawney, a 60-year-old former boat master of Upper Fisher Row. In 1782 he formed a partnership with Mark and James Morrell, who eventually became the owners. The brewery building, known as the 'Lion Brewery', was located in Oxford's West End in St Thomas's Street; it has since been converted into stylish apartments. Meet the New Press and Marketing Contact The West End Partnership is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Leach to the role of West End Marketing and Communications Officer. Sarah comes to us from a publishing background, most recently as Publicity Manager for Elsevier's UK Books division and prior to that as a marketing manager at Oxford University Press. Sarah said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed and look forward to working on such an important and visible project within the city centre. I live just outside the West End, and walk through it every day, and the area is full of character and potential to become a vibrant part of town." Sarah starts work with the West End Partnership on the 25th August, and can be contacted at westend@oxford.gov.uk. Exciting plans to regenerate Oxfordshire County Council's Macclesfield House site (located next to the successful Oxford Castle redevelopment) are well underway. A preferred bidder has been identified and Heads of Terms (agreement in principle) established. The parties aim to exchange conditional contracts in late 2009. The West End Partnership has granted budget approval for taking forward various new infrastructure and public realm projects within the city's West End. Schemes include preparatory work for a new footbridge and cycle route over the Thames, linking Oxpens to Osney Mead, and improving the West End's waterways by implementing access and landscaping improvements along Castle Mill Stream. The Partnership has also agreed to contribute £15,000 to help clean the stonework of Carfax Tower, the fourteenth-century west tower of the former city church of St Martin. This contribution will also help pay for the installation of architectural lighting for the Tower; its tasteful illumination will highlight its historical importance within the city. West End Community Group (WECG) Since reopening in November 2008, Bonn Square's transformation has been the focus for much debate, receiving both criticism and overwhelming approval. Many of its doubters have since been won round as the square has begun to be used as it was originally intended; previously an area people would avoid walking past, it is now a busy and vibrant public space. The trees are in leaf, providing much needed shade during the recent hot weather, and people are taking time out from their hectic lives to enjoy the various events and performances that have taken place. From fashion catwalks to comical brass bands and German beer stalls to the Lord Mayor's Parade, Bonn Square is bursting with entertainment and things to do. The recent civic opening ceremony also saw the installation of a brass sculpture and the appearance of brass books on the benches. Why not come down and see the changes for yourself? Oxford City Councillors recently gave their consent for Pembroke College's development proposals, which are still waiting official planning permission. The scheme, designed by Berman Guedes Stretton, would be one of the largest college developments in the city. If approved, it would include a bridge over Oxford's medieval city wall, linking the College's main site to two new quads in Brewer Street. Download the July 2009 newsletter in a print friendly format.
West End Renaissance - Project Funding
The West End Community Group last convened in May 2009. There was a lively debate, covering numerous topics including Transform Oxford and the proposed probation centre in Mill Street. Rob Dance, Planning Implementation Group Manager for Oxfordshire County Council and a core member of the West End team, gave an informed presentation, detailing how the local community may be affected by the West End Renaissance whilst asking for feedback and suggestions for change. 
The next WECG meeting will be held in October; further details will be uploaded to the Oxford West End website well in advance. In addition, leaflets will be delivered to local residents and the meeting will be advertised on posters within the area.
Bonn Square
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