The estate regeneration utilises a patchwork of leftover, underused, infill sites on council-owned land that creates a disconnect in the estate’s urban fabric to be transformed into an integrated high-density social housing scheme. The masterplan for the District Centre and Knights Road sites look to promote a holistic approach to placemaking across Blackbird Leys. The two infill sites will provide much needed affordable housing in the area alongside a new community centre, over 1000m2 of retail space, a large public square, green open space, significant areas of public realm and improved local infrastructure.

The proposals will provide 294 new homes that are 100% affordable across the District Centre and Knights Road sites. Homes will be provided in a mixture of sizes to accommodate a variety of households. 59% will be provided for social rent and 41% will be shared ownership ensuring the long-term sustainable and inclusive growth for Oxford.

All new homes benefit from access to private amenity space as well as access to 2.5 acres of enhanced public open space across both sites. Homes will be high quality, with 92% of apartments benefiting from dual or triple aspect outlooks.

Nature and landscape have guided the designs, with the two sites knitting together existing physical and social assets across the area. A people-focused public realm and landscaped space will lie at the heart of the scheme for residents and the wider community to enjoy.

The project has involved an extensive and continuous community engagement process spanning several years, with local people invited to shape the proposals every step of the way. The design team have held over 15 events, both in-person and virtually including workshops, webinars, phone calls, drop-in events and one-to-one conversations to allow all members of the community to get involved. This outreach has produced over 1,600 comments from community members, with over 500 attendees at our events.

“This has been an eagerly anticipated submission for Blackbird Leys. The project rethinks the importance of spaces and redefines our spatial priorities – demoting the car, enhancing pedestrian experience, delivering much needed new affordable homes, planting trees and introducing greenery – whilst helping to celebrate and recognise the established community.”

– Ian Fenn, Partner at JTP