A new model to deliver housing: Land at Barton, Oxford

Abstract

Oxford City Council’s ownership of the land at Barton provided Oxford with the single biggest site for housing development within Oxford and a significant opportunity to deliver new and affordable housing in an integrated, sustainable community in a city where new housing is much needed. However, technical, infrastructure, viability and market issues with the site, combined with the challenging economic climate, had meant that to date the council had been unable to bring the site forward for development and proposals had stalled. With innovative thinking and application of a bespoke delivery structure, a co-investment joint venture partnership has been established to unlock the site’s potential, ensure delivery of the proposed development and see fulfilment of the council’s aspirations. This partnership will provide the necessary infrastructure funding and create the delivery of serviced sites that can then be sold into the market to suitable house builders. The structure reflects the changing property market while achieving best consideration for the council and ensuring the council’s core objective of allowing early delivery of necessary infrastructure is met. Works on the site are due to commence by December 2013.