Why a community boatyard

In January we launched our on-line petition in favour of a compulsory purchase of the Wharf site which in just a few weeks gathered 1,600+ signatures. In March a packed Phoenix cinema enjoyed a fundraising screening of the Jericho films.

Posted April 06 2025

Where we stand with the Council

In December, the Trust wrote to local councillors asking the City Council to acquire the site, preferably through negotiation or by compulsory purchase. For this purpose, the Council would cooperate with a responsible developer to fund and build a scheme that can be based on a previous planning permission. Initially, there were doubts that this would be possible, but the City lawyers have now concluded that it is legally feasible. Trust members recently met with the Council and we are in a continuing dialogue on how best to progress.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Why a community boatyard

The Jericho community boatyard will provide essential facilities for boat-owners, part of a new vibrant, active focus in the heart of the city and saving our much-loved living canal heritage.

There are around 400 residential boats in and around Oxford. For many people it is the only way they can afford to live and work in our city.

Maintenance is a problem, particularly with the corrosion of metal hulls and the need for regular blacking. There are now no local lift-out facilities. College Cruisers have to send their boats to other yards. Bringing heavy cranes through Jericho’s narrow streets is unrealistic and too expensive. The only alternative is a round trip of 10 hours or so to the nearest boatyard.

Often residential boats have no engine, and it is impractical to tow them this distance. When the river is in flood in the autumn and winter this journey is impossible for any boat. Many boat-owners need to undertake their own maintenance and cannot afford commercial boatyard charges. In the 20 years since the closure of Jericho Wharf many residential boats have seriously deteriorated. Boats are sinking: four during this winter and very sadly there was a fatality with a well-known member of the canal community.

The Trust’s plans include three docks operated by an experienced manager: two for commercial work and a third for boat owners to undertake their own repairs. The Jericho Wharf docks would benefit boat dwellers, owners and operators all along the canal.

Boatyards are regulated and controlled to ensure little environmental impact. There are at least two motor vehicle garages within twenty minutes’ walk from the Wharf in residential areas which are well supported by their local communities. There will also be environmental benefits since, as the Environment Agency has noted, the docks provide flood mitigation for the whole development.

The alternative of filling in this waterfront site with bland housing would be a further blow to Oxford’s canal heritage. Boatyard operations ceased on Jericho Wharf 20 years ago when British Waterways Board sold the site. The former canal basin is now under the dreary Worcester Street car park. Only College Cruisers is left in Jericho. Many canal cruisers avoid Oxford as this section of the canal has few facilities and a poor environment.

Other UK cities have made much better use of their canal heritage. Their canal-based regeneration is a rich mix of commercial and residential uses. Oxford’s preoccupation with ‘dreaming spires’ and gentrification may cause us to ‘miss the boat’.

Boats and boatyards are a focus for activity, skills, employment and interest. Oxford and Jericho need to retain this living heritage and remain a distinctive, diverse, inclusive canalside community.

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For a more detailed briefing on the Save Jericho Wharf Campaign, please check our extensive Q&A on the JWT website.