The proposals will include 402 new dwellings, a 133-bed hotel and a new business innovation centre which will feature a gym and café, all set 2.1 acres of enhanced landscaped public open space. Of the new homes, 9 will be wheelchair accessible and 201 will be affordable dwellings with a tenure mix of 80% social rented and 20% intermediate rent. Each apartment will benefit from private amenity space and ground and top floor communal gardens.

The masterplan reintegrates the site into the local area while reinforcing a distinct sense of ‘Oxfordness’. The parkland nature of the existing site and historic narrative of the forest and surrounding Green belt land have informed the landscape led masterplan. This landscape vision has underpinned the creation of six character areas which have evolved in direct response to their location within the site, the relationship to the built form, and the existing landscape features and context. The character areas help to define a sense of place whilst allowing for a cohesive balance between providing for nature and biodiversity, and giving opportunities for social cohesion, leisure activities and opportunities for residents.

A varied and rich landscape strategy has been achieved through the retention of existing green infrastructure, building on this natural asset to help deliver biodiversity net gain for the project. A mixed palette of trees complements the species already present on the site to enhance the parkland character. Alongside these green considerations, Thornhill Park will also feature green roofs, SuDS and wetland areas, productive landscapes, gardens and public amenity planting, providing opportunity for biodiversity enhancements through planting typologies and habitat types.

Legible routes for pedestrians and cyclists have been prioritised with a clear east to west connection across the site established to connect with the Park and Ride to Risinghurst. Over 1,000 cycle parking spaces will also be provided to encourage active travel and movement.

A warm material palette will guide the designs of the ten buildings across the site including stone and bronze coloured brick and cladding.

“It is a fantastic achievement that Thornhill Park has received unanimous approval. The new community will not only provide much needed homes for the area, but also job opportunities in the offices, café, gym and hotel that will serve both the new residents and the surrounding area and community.”

– Dominic Chapman, Partner at JTP