Science lab plan unveiled for leisure complex site

Plans have been unveiled to replace a leisure complex with science laboratories.

Ozone Leisure Park Reimagined proposes the Vue Cinema, Hollywood Bowl, restaurants, a bar, and other leisure amenities at the Grenoble Road site next to the Kassam Stadium in Oxford be demolished.

Landowner Firoka Group, developer Pioneer Group, and planning consultants Bidwells claim they will be replaced by a "vibrant science and community cluster".

The new development would feature 500,000 sqft (152,400 sqm) of office and laboratory space.

The group say they are also "prioritising leisure and community-focused uses" at the site.

Local community engagement consultants Transition by Design have been tasked with asking for community input into the project.

A spokesperson said if there was demand for a new cinema at the site it would not be ruled out.

Recently the Odeon cinemas on George Street and Magdalen Street closed down.

This leaves local film lovers with the Curzon, Phoenix Picturehouse, and independent cinema the Ultimate Picture Palace.

The area marked for redevelopment also includes the old Priory pub, though it is Grade II*- listed and will not be demolished.

Community events are planned in February and March.

Transition by Design also announced two public co-design workshops to "collaboratively shape the leisure spaces", as well as sessions with youth groups from February to April.

In a statement the project team said: "It is our ambition to provide a mixed use development, with state of the art research facilities focussing on human and planetary health, alongside uses for the community – we expect this to include re-provision of leisure."

They encouraged local residents and users of the complex "to come and share ideas on what uses matter most locally", in what they said could be an "exciting opportunity to make full use of a key site for local people and the city of Oxford".

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.