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Development

New Residential Development Bridges Cross Opens in Oxford

today23/11/2023 42

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A Modern Home for Oxford Residents

Oxford has welcomed a new addition to its cityscape with the completion of the Bridges Cross development. This project, a collaborative effort between Oxford City Council’s housing company and main contractor Willmott Dixon, introduces 36 new homes on Speedwell Street, offering a blend of council tenancies, shared ownership, and private homes.

Celebrating the Completion

The completion of Bridges Cross was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, graced by notable attendees including Lord Mayor Cllr Lubna Arshad, Council Leader Cllr Susan Brown, and cabinet members Cllr Linda Smith and Cllr Nigel Chapman, along with representatives from Willmott Dixon and OX Place.

A Closer Look at Bridges Cross

The development comprises a single block ranging from four to six stories and features a mix of 18 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom flats. Each unit boasts either a private garden or balcony, along with access to two communal courtyards. Notably, Bridges Cross replaces the former homeless hostel Lucy Faithfull House, paying homage with a commemorative bench and plaque.

Historical and Sustainable

Bridges Cross stands on a site rich in history, once home to a 13th-century Dominican Order friary. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed remnants of Oxford’s medieval past. Designed by Levitt Bernstein Architects and supported by the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, the development prioritizes sustainability with its ‘fabric first’ approach, featuring rooftop solar panels and a pioneering green roof.

Transportation and Affordability

In line with modern urban living, Bridges Cross offers two EV charging parking spaces for residents with mobility needs while promoting a car-free environment with ample bike parking. The project surpasses the council’s affordability requirement, with nearly three-quarters of the homes classified as affordable, including social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership options.

Official Statements

At the opening ceremony, Lord Mayor Cllr Lubna Arshad praised the development for its commitment to affordable housing. Helen Horne, managing director of OX Place, highlighted the project’s design and sustainability focus. Richard Poulter of Willmott Dixon expressed pride in contributing to the sustainable development of Oxford.

In essence, Bridges Cross is more than a housing development; it’s a step forward in sustainable urban living and affordable housing in Oxford.

Photo credit: Ed Nix

Written by: Hamish Law

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