Pre-planning consultion, July 12 2019

1. Background

*The ground floor plan of the application that was approved in 2016.*

What is happening

Posted - Jul 23, 2019

The Jericho Wharf site was sold by British Waterways in 2006. Since then there have been two planning applications by others for apartment based schemes, of approximately 44 flats, which were both refused.

The site was acquired by SIAHAF in 2012 who submitted a scheme encompassing 13 townhouses along the canal, seven flats with a restaurant below and two single house units. This was to be built alongside a landscaped public square and pedestrian access bridge across the Oxford Canal. The development also outlined the scope for a new community centre and boatyard which was to be built and funded by the JWT.

A revised application

During the period from January 2017 to June 2019 a revised planning application was worked up following a series of additional meetings with the relevant stakeholders : Jericho Wharf Trust, St. Barnabas Parochial Church Council, the Canal and River Trust, representatives from the Boating Community, the Diocese of Oxford, Officers from Oxford City Council. Discussions have also taken place with adjoining owner of College Cruisers.

These pages explain the purpose of the revised proposals which are promoted by SHIAHAF’s associate company The Jericho Wharf Regeneration Company Ltd.

*Visualization of the scheme approved in 2016*

**Why does the approved scheme need to change?**

In the intervening period the economic and political climate has substantially changed resulting in an increasing uncertainty about future outcomes. It is therefore fundamental that both community and private elements are developed simultaneously in order to ensure the viability of the development.

The Jericho Wharf Regeneration Company felt that the scheme was not viable in the approved layout and therefore approached Stride Treglown, asking for a reconfigured arrangement and new designs on the site. Previously the construction of the Community Centre was the responsibility of the JWT, however the feeling was that developing the two in conjunction would create a sense of place and ownership upon completion reducing the impact of prolonged construction along the canal. It is therefore now proposed that Phase 1 of the Community Centre will be constructed as a shell by the Jericho Wharf Regeneration Company. This will assist JWT in raising funds to fit-out the shell and develop Phase 2, meaning the community will benefit from a new boatyard and Community Centre as part of the development and have time and flexibility to fund raise for the delivery of Phase 2. It was also considered that the restaurant was not viable in this area and so the corner of this block has been given over to a row of townhouses, creating active frontage and activity. There were concerns from the stakeholders about the proposed location of the bridge at the southern end of the site, linking with Great Clarendon Street. There was a strong preference for the bridge to link into the new piazza to add interest and activity to the area.

Consultation boards

Pre-planning consultation ${news_caption}$
1. Background ${news_caption}$ The ground floor plan of the application that was approved in 2016.
2. What is changing? ${news_caption}$ Proposed site plan for community centre, residential and boatyard.
3. Arrangement on Site ${news_caption}$ 1. St Barnabas Church 2. Piazza with art work at centre 3. New access to St Barnabas Church 4. Community boatyard, workshop, laundry,elsan and overnight accomodation. Community sports and dance hall, changing facilities and rooms for rentable income. 5. Community cafe, shop and exhibition space 6. Phase 2 development of pre-school and meeting facilities 7. Terraced townhouses 8. Bridge with disabled access chairlift and cycle groove 9. Apartments above ground floor car parking 10. Detached townhouse 11. Affordable apartments within redeveloped community building
4. Community Centre proposal ${news_caption}$ Proposed entrance to cafe and terrace leading off main sports hall
5. Public square and bridge ${news_caption}$ The public Square is designed as a place to bring the community together near the historic St Barnabas Church
6. Residential Buildings ${news_caption}$ Elevational view of the townhouses
7. Materials and Inspiration ${news_caption}$
8. Overview ${news_caption}$ Aerial view