New milestone for county council in plan to move from County Hall
Oxfordshire County Council has exchanged contracts with buyers for County Hall who wish to create a high-quality hotel, transforming the existing buildings and continuing the regeneration of the West End of the city.
The proposed sale is to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator, L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.
Receipts from the sale of County Hall will be used for the refurbishment and upgrading of Speedwell House on Speedwell Street.
The move out of County Hall will happen in spring 2027. A recent potentially significant archaeological find at the Speedwell site means staff may not be able to occupy that building from that time. A temporary alternative would need to be found.
County Hall was marketed for sale in autumn 2024 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.
A wide range of interest was registered in the buildings, with uses in mind such as offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial use and church/congregation space.
At the February 2025 cabinet meeting of the county council, officers recommended the freehold disposal of County Hall to the bidder selected after analysis had been completed. Now that the contract has been signed it is possible to disclose the identity of the bidder and their intentions for the site.
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*.
Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These plans are very exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. L&G and Reef are offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will complement 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 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 was 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.”
Rob Codling, Head of Commercial Funds – Real Estate Equity, L&G: “We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of County Hall Oxford. This represents a fantastic opportunity which builds on L&G’s established investor presence in Oxford and track record of delivering high-quality real estate throughout the city. Oxford is a vibrant city brimming with innovation, creativity and history, and we are continually dedicated to funding and developing assets which support the wider city’s economy and society.
“The repurposing of the Listed Old County Hall and the redevelopment of County Hall aims to deliver a high-quality hotel with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. We look forward to transforming the site into a prime asset within the West End of Oxford, all while upholding the historic legacy and rich charm of the building.”
Will Rohleder, a partner at Reef Origin, said: “Reef are delighted to have been selected to reposition this important project in Oxford City Centre. This will be our fourth major scheme in the last eight years having recently completed the redevelopment of the Boswells Department Store into the Store Hotel and secured planning for Beaver House.
“We are fully aware of the sensitivities regarding this asset and the Grade II * listed Old County Hall and will work closely with the county council and other key stakeholders to make sure it is curated accordingly.
“This is not just about preserving an important part of Oxford’s history but about breathing new life into it. By blending sustainability with heritage, we can create spaces that celebrate the history while paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.
“Old County Hall will include a mixture of restaurant, bar and gallery uses as well as a roof terrace open to the public to enjoy the stunning views across the famous city roofscape. We will also look to landscape and soften the buildings frontage and service yard to create external seating and a pocket garden sanctuary for both local residents and visitors.”