County Hall sale a step closer as council progresses its new Speedwell House hub
County Hall in Oxford is closer to being sold after Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to enter final talks with buyers who wish to create a high quality hotel, transforming the existing buildings and continuing the regeneration of the West End of the city.
The prospective sale offers the opportunity for the council to move into modern, net-zero accommodation at Speedwell House on Speedwell Street in the city.
The move is intended to happen by spring 2027. Receipts from the sale of County Hall will pay for the extension and refurbishment upgrading of Speedwell House.
County Hall was marketed for sale in the autumn and 19 bids were submitted. A thorough analysis was undertaken to assess the bids against a range of criteria to ensure best value and deliverability.
Savills was selected to advise the council on the disposal and marketing of County Hall, following a tendering exercise to an international market.
The marketing produced a wide range of interest in the buildings with offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial use and church/congregation space.
The building, which dates from 1973, currently primarily comprises office accommodation. Old County Hall dating from 1841 comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is listed Grade II*.
Council officers have been asked by cabinet to proceed to agreeing final heads of terms with the developers. Once these have been agreed, more detail including the identity of the developers can be disclosed.
Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These plans are incredibly exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. A huge amount of technical and professional work has gone in to getting us to this stage and it was a difficult choice for our officers to select a preferred bid.
“County Hall is in a prime location in one of the world’s most famous cities and so we knew there would be widespread interest in the site. The bidder that has been selected is offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will compliment and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.
“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the various regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”
Old County Hall was included in the marketing of the site to allow the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.
As a result, Old County Hall is to be included in the prospective sale. All listed buildings are legally protected meaning any alterations, extensions, or demolitions must receive consent from Oxford City Council who, when considering the planning application from the developer, would be required to protect its character and historical integrity.
The move to Speedwell House
The county council will move its headquarters to Speedwell House on Speedwell Street. These offices had for many years provided city centre office accommodation for the council in addition to County Hall.
The intention is to create new net zero headquarters for the council, using sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps. The Speedwell House offices will be designed to maximise natural light and make best use of technology. The building will be extended utilising the site more effectively.
The work will positively re-shape the Speedwell area of the city into a public/civic quarter and contribute significantly to social regeneration.
Designs of Speedwell House include a new Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court in a building that is modern, fit for purpose and accessible. There will be an ambition for a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.
People will be invited to give their views on the plans during a forthcoming public engagement.