Oxfordshire: Cherwell’s Town Centre House back in use after 10 years
A vacant office block has been brought into use after Cherwell District Council secured £1 million of funding to transform the building into affordable housing
Town Centre House, on the junction of Warwick Road and Southam Road, had previously been stood empty for approximately a decade prior to the council’s Build! team securing the grant from the Homes and Community Agency.
The funding has been used to secure a long-term lease with Brickmort, which owns the building, and regenerate the former offices into 39 one-bedroom apartments.
Councillor John Donaldson, Cherwell’s lead member for housing, said: “This is a win-win situation for everyone concerned; not only have we provided much-needed affordable housing opportunities but we have also made fantastic use of a key building in the centre of town. Town Centre House has stood empty for far too long and it’s great to bring this prominent site back into use.
“The building is located in the heart of the town centre within walking distance of the amenities which will be great for the residents while the added footfall can only be good for the economy.”
The four-storey building has parking to the rear and has undergone a major refit to transform the former offices into apartments.
Each apartment includes one bedroom, a bathroom and separate kitchen and will be targeted at people in low-level employment who will be given regular access to an employment coach to help them seek work or improve their current job prospects.
The apartments will start from £126.27 per month excluding council tax and electricity. Interviews are currently taking place with prospective tenants and it is expected that the first residents will move in later this month (September).
