Speedwell House plans confirmed after archaeological detail revealed
Oxfordshire County Council’s plans to proceed with redeveloping Speedwell House as its city centre hub based on its current footprint remain unaltered after details of archaeological investigations in the area were revealed.
It has been concluded that possible remains of the historic Blackfriars Mill Stream, medieval revetments and industrial activity may be found by future archaeological work at the Speedwell Street site.
However, the current footprint of the building itself is not affected by these potential discoveries or the future planned archaeology work. Work can therefore proceed with a planned opening in April 2028. The building will replace County Hall as the council’s city centre hub.
Originally the plan was to enlarge Speedwell House but it was announced in October that this was to be revised to the existing footprint of the council-owned office. The aim is to create a high-quality flexible space for colleagues and councillors to work and meet in. The development will also play an important part in the regeneration of the southern end of the city centre.
Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “This conclusion by archaeological experts confirms that we made a very sound and sensible decision to focus on the existing building as we plan our transformation of Speedwell House.
“Since we initially outlined our proposals in early 2024 to move from County Hall to Speedwell House, local government reorganisation across England was announced by government. The archaeology findings thus presented us with an opportunity to factor the future changes to the local government landscape into our thinking.
“It will be exciting to see the building take shape and we believe it will help regenerate this area of Oxford as well as being a modern, net-zero home for council staff and councillors into the future, whatever shape Oxfordshire’s local government takes. As we have said, the sale of County Hall will provide the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.”
As reported in September, contracts have been exchanged for the sale of County Hall 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.
The plan is to move from County Hall in late 2026. During 2027 and early 2028 the council plans to utilise its existing office space in and beyond Oxford to accommodate staff whose current home base is County Hall as well as a council chamber and coroner’s court.
Cllr Levy added: “An interim way forward for 2027 is being discussed and there are plenty of good options for us to consider from our own office space. We will provide a firm update when conclusions have been reached.”
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