Park in Oxford North's centre greenlit

Oxford North’s new central park has been resolved to be approved by Oxford City Council’s planning committee.

Designs for the space will be delivered within the one million sq ft development at Oxford North.

These designs, which cover 15,401 sq m (3.8 acres), included the provision of a new parkland with amenity grassland, wildflower and woodland planting, a new pond for drainage and ecological purposes, the formation of a grass amphitheatre as a new events space, and a children’s play area.

Leading landscape architectural firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman designed the central landscape. Oxford North spokespeople said that the 'architects' design approach has been to ensure the landscape works for both Oxford and the project’s global ambitions to deliver a vibrant new place for discovery'.

Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county

Sibylla Hartel, partner, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, said: “It has been a privilege designing Oxford North’s central public spaces. We have focused on wildflower meadow planting, climate-resistant Mediterranean planting and a new pond, which will be a natural feature.

“The woodland area will be a welcoming space in design and visual terms, providing a natural edge to the park, with additional tree canopy cover and a positive contribution to the biodiversity net gain requirements for the site.

''The pond, while forming part of the overall sustainable drainage strategy and contributing to biodiversity net gain, will also enhance the Park’s visual amenity.

“To encourage walking and cycling and connectivity into the city, our new pedestrian and bicycle route through this new district will lead to Joe White’s Lane, the Oxford Canal path and Wolvercote. The new public square will be a hive of activity and the children’s play area a welcoming place for families and carers to all enjoy.”

Read more - West-Sussex town Arundel poised for development thanks to Paragon package