New bright red building is 'blot' on landscape

A prominent bright red building at the centre of a £700m development has been described as a "blot" on the landscape.

The Oxford North site is set to be home to one million sq ft of new laboratories, workspaces and 480 homes.

Developers said their aim was to create "a diverse and vibrant environment" alongside the new buildings.

But critics have labelled Red Hall, the site's focal point, as a "rather jarring sight within a largely rural vista".

Fiona Mawson, who represents Kidlington East on Cherwell District Council, said: "Even though we knew that this building would be a central feature of the development I don't think anyone imagined it would be so dominant in the landscape."

"...the huge bright red structure is something of a blot on the otherwise pastoral landscape surrounding it," the Green Party councillor added.

The Friends of Stratfield Brake group, which is campaigning against a new Oxford United stadium being built in nearby Kidlington, said Red Hall was an "absolute eyesore".

"Its scale and colour choice cause a significant negative visual impact for miles around," the group added, in a statement.

Red Hall, which can be seen from the A34 near the Peartree Interchange, was recently given its eponymous red cladding.

Oxford City Council said the initial planning application included a full report that "gave consideration to the visual impact of the development upon views of the city".

About 4,500 people are expected to work at Oxford North once the development is complete.

Oxford North said Red Hall was set to open later in the year as part of the site's first phase, which "not only delivers offices and lab space and new homes but also the public realm" which includes a public park and market square.

The developer added: "Our goal is to develop a diverse and vibrant environment alongside the buildings that will enhance local ecosystems, withstand the effects of climate change and offer convenient access to nature for people who work, live and visit."

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