Speedwell House pre-planning engagement

Bringing new life to Speedwell Street: a bright future for Oxford’s west end

We’re moving from County Hall (on New Road) to Speedwell House, just around the corner. It’s an Oxfordshire County Council building that’s been empty for a long time.

We want to completely reimagine the current building to breathe new life into the neighbourhood. A modern exterior – including public courtyard – will bring green space and vibrancy to the street. Inside, a new café will be an accessible, welcoming space for everyone in the community.

On this page, you can learn more about our plans and have your say.

Design proposal: A new public square, increased active frontage and improved organisation

Entrance courtyard

The scheme proposes infilling a portion of the courtyard to create additional accommodation for the council, reducing parking and creating a new public space referencing the lost Bridewell Square. As well as encouraging pedestrian footfall, the square will provide access for deliveries as well as four accessible parking spaces with EV charging points.

New entrances

On the southwest corner of the building a new café provides outside seating and animates the corner. The entrance to the main council offices is now located on the northwest corner of the building facing the courtyard and addressing the Magistrates Court which will also benefit from the improved public realm of the square. On Speedwell Street, due to the sensitive nature of the court’s proceedings, there will be a dedicated entrance to the new Coroners Court which will be located on the first floor of the building.

Flexible building use

From the main entrance, a stair links the entrance via an atrium to the new council chamber capable of accommodating 160 people and meeting rooms which are flexible and reconfigurable. The upper levels of the building will be for council office space and is designed to promote the council’s inclusive, collaborative, hybrid workplace strategy, enabling up to 375 colleagues to use the building at any one time.

Terrace views

On the top floor the building is set back to provide both visual amenity and accessible terraces with views out across the city.

Sustainability

The building envelope design supports our corporate responsibility and net-zero vision by using a retrofit first approach.

Holistic sustainability

Climate resilience will be embedded in all aspects of design by making use of passive design, reduced water consumption, mitigating flood risk and reducing heat gain.

Carbon neutrality

A whole life carbon approach will be adopted. The project will be fossil fuel free and will encourage use of on-site renewables.

Biodiversity

The building will provide a haven for local flora and fauna.

Materials and circular economy

Adaptive re-use will be prioritised and the existing structure will be retained where possible as well as 95% of the facade.

Social value

The design team will aim to create a place that is inclusive, embraces diversity and engages with the community it will serve.

Solar shading

New windows decrease solar gain and improve thermal performance.

Plus, renewable energy, EV charging points, and natural ventilation.

Find out more and have your say

Download a copy of our design proposals in more detail and have your say using the links on this page.