Plan agreed for Oxford Clarendon Centre development

The Clarendon Centre opened in Cornmarket Street in Oxford in 1984 but has been closed for more than a year to be redeveloped into student accommodation as critics describe the progress for the site as "slow".

Under the new plans, the centre will include retail buildings and offices, with a new public square and pedestrian/cycle access through to Frewin Court.

Artist's impression of the re-vamped building.

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This comes after planning permission was granted for the proposal in April 2022 after plans were put forward by applicant Lothbury Investment Management.

A formal decision notice was not issued a the time as there were still technical matters to confirm such as the securing of 'section 106' developer contributions.

A man checks to see if the centre is open. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

But the plans were finally given the official sign-off on Tuesday (June 25) this week.

Independent Oxford Alliance councillor David Henwood said: "I know people who work in there who have had to work from home over the last few years.

David Henwood. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"I am disappointed they don’t have access to proper facilities there

"Regarding the delay because of the section 106 money – it shouldn’t have taken that long.

"It’s disappointing.

Clarendon Centre on Cornmarket Street with its doors shut. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

"Businesses will miss out."

Labour city councillor Susanna Pressel added: "I was delighted when I heard about the plans to redevelop the Clarendon Centre. I was particularly happy about the idea of a public square in the centre of it, with trees and a water feature.

Susanna Pressel. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"We certainly need more places like that where members of the public can sit and relax. It’s a pity progress seems to be rather slow.

"I hope businesses will soon feel confident to invest even more in our beautiful city.”

Oxford Community Independents councillor, Edward Mundy, formerly on the city council planning committee, said it was important not to "rush" the process.

He said: "I really welcome it getting sorted as soon as possible.

Ed Mundy. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"It will be a benefit for Cornmarket Street as I think it has really been struggling lately.

"At the same time planning can't always be rushed.

"It's important to get the right decision."

The comments come as concerns were raised over the development at the time planning permission was granted.

Artist's impression of the new building.

One Oxford Mail reader said: “It seeks to create a space for student accommodation - yes that’s right let’s look after the little darlings who make a coffee last all day in the pub and hog a table for their laptop.

"Let them live bang smack in the middle of town so they hardly have to get out of their beds.”

But Carfax & Jericho ward Labour councillor Alex Hollingsworth said: "I am very much looking forward to it coming to fruition.

"There will be more employment space in the city centre - that's a good thing."

Alex Hollingsworth. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

This comes as a source, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested the applicant may no longer find the proposal viable.

They added: "Demand for things in the city centre change."

Another source suggested there may have been some financial difficulties with the application which spurred the delay.

We have contacted Lothbury Investment Management for comment.