The £5.9m redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre has been completed in the heart of East Oxford, marking the return of a beloved local community venue.
The ribbon cutting marks the end of the construction process and the start of the centre being brought back into use. It is a significant step in Oxford City Council’s work to deliver high-quality community facilities for local residents.
About the redevelopment
The redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre is part of Oxford City Council’s commitment to supporting thriving communities by investing in high-quality facilities for local use.
Delivered by ODS, the £5.9m redevelopment has transformed the original site into a modern, accessible space for residents and local organisations - while preserving the centre’s history.
The work included a full refurbishment of the original building - once an old school on the corner of Cowley Road and Princes Street - creating a new kitchen, upgraded toilets (including accessible Changing Places toilet and shower facilities), and four flexible community spaces, alongside essential refurbishments to preserve the heritage of the much-loved centre.
The redevelopment also saw the demolition of the former Chinese Community & Advice Centre and Fusion Arts buildings, replaced with a low-carbon, three-storey extension on the new centre which features a balcony, solar panels and heat pumps.
The Council is working with the previous tenants to enable the groups to return.
Next door, OX Place, the Council’s housing company, is building 12 energy-efficient flats for social rent, due for completion in the new year. These one and two-bedroom homes will provide affordable housing in a prime location, with a hub of activities and community support on their doorstep.
History of the project
The redevelopment was needed because the site's ageing buildings were deteriorating. Public consultation on plans to redevelop East Oxford Community Centre first took place in 2016, and included the option to update the buildings, however a complete redevelopment of the space was the most widely supported option.
Demolition work to clear the way for the redevelopment started in May 2023, and building work started in March 2024.
The redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre is partly funded through the construction of 14 new affordable shared-ownership homes on the former East Oxford Games Hall site in Collins Street.
Initially, the centre will open Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm, welcoming returning tenants, offering public tours, and accepting bookings for the coming months. Opening hours are expected to expand in early 2026.
Comment
“Oxford City Council is proud to be investing in East Oxford and the return of this much loved community centre. This investment is more than bricks and mortar. It’s about investing in people, opportunities, and in the future of this vibrant part of our city. We wanted to give East Oxford what it truly deserves, a modern, accessible, and sustainable space, for everyone both now and into the future.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Oxford City Council
“In 1977 Fusion Arts (at that time called Bloomin' Arts) opened its doors at East Oxford Community Centre. For generations Fusion Arts has been at the heart of the community here at East Oxford and we are delighted to be moving back home and sharing East Oxford Community Centre with many wonderful community partners.
“We very much look forward to sharing our 50th anniversary in a couple of years with everyone too. It is wonderful to see how Oxford City Council have invested in the future of the Community Centre and the city to create a new modern and accessible space for everyone to enjoy.
“The Councils’ commitment to supporting and helping the community to take ownership of the space and manage the centre going forward is brilliant. We are super excited to see the Centre become a thriving and inclusive hub for diverse communities to come together to celebrate each other and enjoy life through creativity, music, dance, and the arts once again. Hopefully for many generations to come.”
Kieran Cox, Artistic Director, Fusion Arts
"We are delighted for the reopening of the beloved Oxford Community Centre and look forward to returning our weekly African Dance Workouts sessions and Cultural community events to the heart of Oxford community."
African Dance Oxford
"I am delighted that the East Oxford Community Centre construction project has now been completed. The team has worked tirelessly over the past two years on the demolition, design, rebuild, and refurbishment of this community asset, for the benefit of the local Cowley residents and beyond. I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing the Community Centre come to life. As for the team itself, it’s on to the next one!”
Mitch Carter, Associate Director, Construction, ODS
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