Plan submitted for new community centre

A planning application has been submitted for a new community centre in Blackbird Leys following a public consultation.

Developers Peabody and Oxford City Council hosted an exhibition event to showcase the finalised plans to residents in October.

If approved, the venue would form part of a regeneration project, the first phase of which will also see the delivery of 196 new affordable homes.

The application is expected to go before the planning committee in Spring 2025.

In October, planning consent for the community centre was granted in outline as part of the wider Blackbird Leys redevelopment, carried out in partnership with the city council.

Since then, residents have been sharing views on what they would like to see from the building and the public space surrounding it.

The council said it was expected to cater for up to 800 visitors, with a variety of office spaces, communal seating areas and three large halls.

It will form part of the district centre, alongside other facilities such as green spaces and shops.

Plans for the public space include a rain garden and accessible trampoline, as well as art murals, with the opportunity for residents to get involved in their creation.

Simon Barry, regional managing director at Peabody, thanked everyone who had shared their thoughts and ideas.

“We’ve talked to many residents and know how important this community centre is to everyone," he said.

"We want it to be a place that offers great facilities and fun activities for all, while being a well-designed space where people can enjoy spending time with friends, family, and others in the community."

Councillor Linda Smith, the city council's cabinet member for housing, said the centre would become "the new beating heart of Blackbird Leys".

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