
Overview
Oxford City Council and Catalyst (part of the Peabody Group) are working in partnership to bring new shops and community facilities, and nearly 300 new, high quality affordable homes to the heart of Blackbird Leys.
The project will focus on the district centre (including the ‘top shops’) and land between Knights Road and the Kassam Stadium.
Affordable
The planning application contains detailed plans for 294 new social rent and shared ownership homes across two sites, the district centre and Knights Road. It also contains outline plans for a new community centre and community square.
The plans for a new district centre include 210 new homes, 174 (83%) of which will be for social rent and 36 (17%) shared ownership. The site will also provide:
- green open spaces including community gardens
- new and improved shops
- a new community centre
- improved road infrastructure and a safe, segregated cycle route
The application also includes 84 new houses on land off Knights Road that will be 100% shared ownership.
Sustainability
Catalyst has pledged to create a sustainable and eco-friendly neighbourhood, with a focus on boosting wildlife and healthy living. The design includes a new central green space for natural informal play and a nature trail.
Catalyst has also committed to creating community space including a residential roof terrace to help promote intergenerational living.
Community centre
We are working with the community to develop the detailed designs for the new community centre, which will be energy efficient and adaptable to support a wider range of community uses.
Project timeline
Catalyst and Oxford City Council aim to start work on the first phase of the development late this year. Consultation on future phases of the development is likely to take place in 2024.

Community involvement
The submission follows extensive engagement with the local community since April 2019. With Catalyst, we have held a series of events, workshops, and one-to-one conversations with local people and stakeholders to shape the design of the redevelopment.
Have your say
Join us for Q&A session and public exhibition at the Blackbird Leys Community Centre on Thursday 9 March from 3pm to 7pm. We’ll also be running a second event on Saturday 11 March from 11am to 3pm for those who can’t make it on the Thursday.
Get in touch
If you have any questions please email: bblregen@oxford.gov.uk
For more information please visit: Home - Blackbird Leys
Location
Top image: JTP Architects & Atelier 78. Other images: JTP Architects