Overview
Oxford City Council plans to transform 38-40 George Street into a new community hub and much-needed aparthotel.
The proposal would see the current building demolished and redeveloped, with community space on the ground floor and an aparthotel on the upper five floors.
The community space includes opportunities for entertainment and artwork, and could see a new café created.
It will provide affordable, hireable space for residents and community groups in the heart of the city centre, and will operate throughout the day and into the evening.
The aparthotel would feature about 145 rooms built on the upper five stories of the new building, with a reception on the ground floor and lounge and bar/café.
Aparthotels offer visitors more room than typical hotels. They are usually fully-furnished apartments, with an en-suite kitchen featuring a cooker and fridge.
The City Council is aiming to encourage more hotels to open in Oxford to boost the city centre's economy.
A 2015 report from Experience Oxfordshire found that those staying overnight spent, on average, about 1.5 times more than those on day trips.
The proposal also includes social value commitments through the construction and lease term, including apprenticeships for Oxford youngsters and paying all staff at least the Oxford Living Wage.
Location
Sustainability
The proposal will see the current building demolished and replaced. The new building would meet modern building standards, significantly reducing its environmental impact. A planning application, which will be developed over the coming months, will outline more information about the sustainability of the new building.
Project timeline
The City Council's Cabinet is meeting on 12 July to discuss the proposals.
If Cabinet approves the scheme, the aim would be to secure planning permission for the new building by summer 2024.
Demolition and construction is expected to take about three years, meaning the new community hub and aparthotel could open in 2027.
Have your say
The City Council will carry out a public consultation on the community hub to make sure the new facility meets the needs of Oxford residents.
Residents will also be able to have their say on the full scheme as part of the planning application process, which could take place in the first half of 2024.