East Oxford Community Centre ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates completion of the £5.9m redevelopment

The full redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre is now complete. This marks the return of a beloved local community venue, boasting additional and more functional community space, a contemporary new look, and lower running costs for the Oxford City Council.

Designed and delivered by ODS, with a focus on carbon reduction, the £5.9m redevelopment has transformed the original site into a modern, accessible space for residents and local groups to enjoy, while importantly preserving the centre’s heritage.

The 90-week programme included demolition of old dilapidated buildings, full refurbishment of the original school building including new kitchens, upgraded toilets and a new Changing Places facility, alongside a 3-storey, off-site manufactured extension to add usable space whilst significantly reducing the construction time on site.  

The redevelopment and design intent were centred around sustainability, carbon reduction and creating functional space. Featuring a large balcony, glazed atrium, solar panels and air source heat pumps, the facility will help to futureproof the local community and allow focus on inclusivity.

More than 90% of our the ODS workforce lives in or around Oxford, and our staff have a deep vested interest in providing their very best work for the area. There's a shared understanding that the more successful ODS becomes, the more benefits our team and their families will see in their local communities. Furthermore, 100% of our profits are reinvested back into Oxford City Council to protect and enhance essential public services - something we’re very proud of.

"I am delighted that the East Oxford Community Centre construction project has now been completed. The team has worked tirelessly over the past two years on the demolition, design, rebuild, and refurbishment of this community asset, for the benefit of the local Cowley residents and beyond. I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing the Community Centre come to life. As for the team itself, it’s on to the next one!”

Mitchell Carter, Associate Director, Construction, ODS

“Oxford City Council is proud to be investing in East Oxford and the return of this much loved community centre. This investment is more than bricks and mortar. It’s about investing in people, opportunities, and in the future of this vibrant part of our city. We wanted to give East Oxford what it truly deserves, a modern, accessible, and sustainable space, for everyone both now and into the future.”

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Oxford City Council