NEWS ITEM

Consultations on SIAHAF proposals

Jericho residents give their views

On 7th and 8th of February, Haworth Tompkins, the architects for the Strategic Iconic Assets Heritage Acquisition Fund (SIAHAF), displayed their proposals for the canalside site. Several hundred people attended and gave comments which are now being reviewed. The next stage will be a further consultation to show what changes have been made, before SIAHAF makes a planning application to Oxford City Council. JWT Chair, Phyllis Starkey, says: "These plans offer a real opportunity to develop the site in line with the community's desires; providing a viable boatyard, community centre, public square and bridge. Concerns have been expressed about the level of affordable housing in particular, and constructive public comment will help to ensure we finally develop this important site in the best way to meet the needs of the Jericho, canal and wider Oxford communities" Johnny Sandelson, chief executive of SIAHAF, said: “This is an extremely sensitive and historic site which deserves careful development to unlock its full potential. By collaborating with the community and listening to their aspirations, I believe we now have an inspiring plan for the future of Jericho Wharf.” The centre-piece for the redevelopment will be a large open public square outside St Barnabas Church running down to the waterfront. A new community building overlooking the square will be constructed to provide a range of amenities for local residents and the boating community." On the frontage with the canal, the building will have a community boatyard comprising two dry docks and a wet dock, along with workshops, which will be made available to local boaters to maintain their own vessels. The rest of the building will be a community centre which on the ground floor will have a café and pre-school, and on the upper floors a large sports hall, with other rooms for classes of various kinds and for community events and meetings. There will also be office spaces for local businesses. A pdf of the presentation may be downloaded from our documents section by clicking HERE.

Posted – Feb 23, 2014<