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BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Oxford Town Hall to undergo external restoration works
Oxford Town Hall is set to undergo essential cleaning and stone repair works to "preserve and enhance its facade".The city council said the work marked a "significant step forward in the restoration of one of the city's most iconic landmarks".The Grade II* listed building, on St Aldate's, is currently used as council offices, as well as housing the Museum of Oxford, and hosting events throughout the on site is due to begin later this year, with the project scheduled to be completed by Spring 2026. Oxford City councillor Ed Turner said: "Oxford Town Hall is a landmark building, a valued community space and a source of great pride.""This restoration project will help ensure that its historical and architectural legacy is safeguarded for future generations and will maintain it at the heart of our community," Mr Turner, who is the authority's deputy leader, added. The work is being led by heritage specialists Jessop and Cook will focus on cleaning the stonework, which the council said was an "essential first step" that will enable thorough assessment and repair of structural and surface condition council said the restoration would "not only improve the building's appearance but will also extend its lifespan".It added that the work would ensure the building "remains a cornerstone of Oxford's heritage and civic life".Oxford Town Hall was first opened by the then Prince of Wales - who went on to become Edward VII - in 1897. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
19-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Oxford aparthotel plans for former cinema approved
Plans to convert a former cinema into a 145-room aparthotel have been Odeon in George Street, Oxford, closed earlier this year and is now set to be demolished to make way for a £37m property consultant Marick Real Estate was appointed by Oxford City Council to develop the site in new aparthotel will offer fully-furnished apartments with en-suite kitchens, whilst a community space will be installed on the buildings ground floor. Cllr Ed Turner, the council's finance and asset management chief, said the authority's approval of the plans was an "exciting milestone" for the project."This regeneration will revitalise the area, provide much-needed accommodation relieving pressure on family homes, and create a dedicated community space.""I look forward to seeing more detailed plans emerge as the team moves forward," he said. Andrew Heselton, from Marick Real Estate, added: "We are pleased to achieve this important milestone and look forward to developing the design, securing third-party agreements, and procuring our construction partner for this scheme prior to commencing the works in early 2026."The aparthotel will be operated by Staycity Group under their lifestyle Wilde brand, whilst the community space is being developed in partnership with Makespace lease of the building ran out in said it had been "truly proud" to serve cinemagoers and "bring years of movie magic to the community".It opened as the Ritz Cinema in 1936 operated by Union Cinemas, and went through several owners over the decades before becoming an Odeon in 2000. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
