LDA Design on a new science and leisure destination for Oxford

Image: CGI of proposed new science and leisure destination at the Ozone Leisure Park - courtesy Pioneer

LDA Design has been highlighting a plan for a new science and leisure destination on the site of the Ozone Leisure Park in Oxford that has been given the go ahead by Oxford City Council in a unanimous decision by the Planning Committee.

The proposed development, put forward by Pioneer Group and Firoka, will transform the current site to create new lab and workspace to support the city’s growing science and technology sector, alongside community facilities.

LDA Design has been working on designs for more than three acres of welcoming, green public space alongside a strong project team, including architects Perkins & Will and Bidwells.

This proposal has within it a dynamic mix of uses that will give the site an exciting, long-term future. The plans include continued provision for a cinema and bowling alley which are valued by the community.

The restoration of a Grade II* listed pub, which is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, and the building of new leisure facilities will form the first phase of the regeneration.

LDA Design says:

"Oxford’s Ozone Leisure Park is an important destination for local residents. Continuing to meet community needs remains a top priority under new plans to regenerate the site.”

In further news, Oxford City Council has approved unanimously Mansfield College’s ambitious estate transformation plans, the College’s most significant site investment in its history.

The proposals focus on the south side of the College estate, where a series of low-performing buildings will be replaced by a single, unified building which will complete the main quad. The masterplan is by architects Feilden Fowles with LDA Design providing townscape consultancy, supported by Childerstone project management and Savills planning services.

The plans will provide new on-site accommodation, academic spaces, offices, a new Porter’s Lodge and enhanced green spaces – including a new southern quad.

Given the sensitivity of Oxford’s historic core and townscape, LDA worked closely with the city council to ensure the designed scheme makes a positive contribution. This included use of VU.CITY to model and test different development options; advice on scale, massing and architecture; production of a Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment; and preparation of verified photomontages of the proposed scheme.

Image below: Mansfield College, Oxford, courtesy of LDA Design.