Cherwell District Council at 'Science Cities - Oxfordshire and the Growth Corridor' this January
- Heather Fearfield
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Future Cities Forum is delighted that Ian Boll, Executive Director of Place & Regeneration at Cherwell District Council will be joining our January discussions on 'Oxfordshire and the Growth Corridor' at Jesus College Oxford.
Ian is an experienced local government officer with strong leadership skills in place shaping, regeneration and infrastructure projects, asset management, contract and commercial management, and service transformation.
Cherwell DC sits at the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, and has three key urban centres - Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.
Kidlington is the focus of current development plans, and these include EXOq which is described as 'a home for global research, innovation and education, set within parkland in a highly sustainable location on land owned by Exeter College in Cherwell District.'
EXOq reports:
'At the heart of the proposal is Sovereign High- Performance Compute (HPC) infrastructure to power and accelerate research of global significance and its commercial development. The data centres will be quantum compatible.'
Cherwell DC describes Kidlington - which is surrounded by the Four Parishes of Yarnton, Begbroke, Gosford with Water Eaton, and Shipton on Cherwell and Thrupp - as one of Oxfordshire's fastest growing areas:
'Just five miles north of Oxford, Kidlington is quietly redefining what a suburban centre can be and is a rising location for life sciences, aviation, and research-led business growth. Oxford Technology Park (OTP) offers high-spec labs, research and development facilities, and flexible office space for biotech, medtech, and deep tech innovators. London Oxford Airport enables charter flights and aviation-related business activity.'
Kidlington is well-connected to London, Birmingham and Bristol via Oxford Parkway station and is close to the A34 technology corridor.
Meanwhile an expression of interest letter to create a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) within the Thames Valley has been submitted to government, with discussions continuing on detailed proposals being developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils including Cherwell District Council.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who will also be speaking at our discussion event in Oxford this January said:
“We have a once in a generation chance to seize the opportunities that devolution offers. By coming together as a strategic authority, our councils can better coordinate resources and expertise to deliver the support our residents need. Our collaboration will support innovative businesses, expanding access to skills training, affordable homes, and a modern, joined-up transport network – ensuring everyone benefits from new opportunities and an improved quality of life.
“A Thames Valley MSA will harness the collective strengths of the region to unlock unparalleled prospects for inclusive and sustainable growth. It provides a unique opportunity to shape our urban and rural places ensuring lasting benefits for current and future generations.
“I look forward to continuing further discussions with councils and government on realising our vision.”
The Thames Valley MSA will be designed to speed up delivery, attract investment and strengthen one of the UK’s most productive and innovative regional economies. The ambition is for a strategic growth partner for neighbouring authorities where joint working will be beneficial, for example councils linked to the Oxford - Cambridge corridor.
Council discussions will now continue, including with government, with detailed proposals being developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils and partners.
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