Following a major community involvement event on the future of what is now known as Oxfords West End, studio | REAL was commissioned by Oxford City Council to prepare an urban design framework for the Oxpens area; a town quarter set within three university quarters.
The plan set out a framework which sought to establish a legible street pattern in an area that has been subject to land assembly, large scale shipping centre development and the construction of a partial inner ring road surrounded by surface car parks. The plan also advocated much higher density development as redevelopment opportunities arose, as well as the creation of new parkland, a new public square and development which promotes safe public spaces along the riverside.
Although controversial, the plan was accepted by the City Council. Many of the proposals, including the reopening of the canal basin as a tourist hub and the redevelopment of the Westgate Shopping Centre within a network of pedestrian streets, have gained general recognition and support.
© 2012 studio | REAL. All Rights Reserved. REAL is a trading name of Roger Evans Associates Limited.