The Botley office, located on West Way near Seacourt Tower, is viewed as an ideal spot given it offers practical, well-equipped workspaces as well offering good transport links including proximity to Seacourt Park and Ride.

The move is part of the council’s broader programme to make best use of its buildings, support more flexible ways of working, and make sure teams have access to suitable, modern office space across Oxfordshire. County Hall will close in late 2026 and Speedwell House will open in Spring 2028.

Contracts were exchanged in late 2025 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.

Cllr Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “We are looking forward in coming times to seeing Speedwell House taking shape as a new net zero office in 2028 as well as watching County Hall change and then thrive in its new guise as a hotel. The sale of County Hall is providing the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.

“The move to Speedwell House will help regenerate and boost that area just to the south of the city centre and the hotel at County Hall is part of continued work to improve the western arrival into the city, with the council having recently acquired the lease at the Oxford Castle complex and the transformation that is underway around the railway station.

“Our existing offices throughout the county will provide bases for our teams and these will now be supplemented by the excellent and ideally located Midland House. These are solid plans from which our officers can continue to provide excellent services to the people of Oxfordshire,”

The future of Oxford’s Castle Quarter looks bright after Oxfordshire County Council reached an agreement to purchase the lease at the site.

This follows expert independent advice that the deal represents a sound long-term investment for taxpayers, while creating the conditions to accelerate regeneration in a strategically important part of Oxford city centre.

It also supports a coherent approach to the western arrival into the city, sitting alongside the re‑imagining of County Hall as a hotel and the wider transformation underway around the railway station.

In 2005 the Council decided to sell a long-term lease for Castle Quarter to enable major investment in and redevelopment of a site that had previously operated as a prison for many decades.

That investment successfully transformed the site and brought new activity into the city centre. Since then, the mix of uses at Castle Quarter has continued to evolve.

While some elements, including the Malmaison Hotel, continue to perform strongly, others offer clear scope for renewal and further investment, particularly given the site’s location between the railway station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.

As existing freeholder of Castle Quarter, Oxfordshire County Council seized the opportunity to purchase the lease when it became available. Following careful consideration and having taken advice from legal, financial and property experts, it was determined that the deal represented an exceptional opportunity.

The prospect of delivering strong financial returns for taxpayers in future years, alongside the potential to drive regeneration within the area, made the decision compelling.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This is an exciting moment for Oxford city centre, but it is not a decision the council has taken lightly. We have carried out thorough due diligence and sought expert advice to make sure the risks to the taxpayers and the county council are low while the prospects for real benefits are high.

“When the opportunity arose to purchase the lease, we looked closely at the financial, legal and commercial implications. The clear conclusion was that returning the lease to the county council as the existing freeholder was the right decision, with good prospects for both the city centre and public funds.

“Combined with the transformation currently underway in and around the railway station, this creates an opportunity to refresh and boost the Castle Quarter and support positive change to the western approach to the city centre.

“The site is very close to Westgate, the city centre attractions, the railway station and the new hotel that will replace County Hall. The ingredients for success are clear to see and there is excitement about the change that can now begin to be delivered.

“We are operating in a challenging financial environment and so it’s really important the council makes prudent, well‑evidenced decisions. This decision allows the county council and a successor council or councils after local government reorganisation to influence very positive change in the city centre while delivering a strong financial return to support the delivery of frontline services.”

As the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine is marked worldwide, Oxfordshire County Council continues to show its support for Ukrainian people.

To recognise the anniversary, the council is flying the Ukrainian flag outside County Hall as a symbol of solidarity and its ongoing commitment to supporting people displaced by the conflict.

The council works with partners to ensure Ukrainians in the county can access coordinated support, dedicated resources and local services to help them stay safe, connected and well.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Four years on from the invasion, our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people.

“Since the start of the war, around 3,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the county. They have been welcomed by residents who have opened their homes and helped them settle into communities.

“Flying the Ukrainian flag alongside the British flag at County Hall is a visible sign of our solidarity, and of our continued work with partners to support Ukrainian guests to settle, study, work and feel safe.”

Oxfordshire County Council is a recognised Council of Sanctuary, promoting a culture of welcome, compassion and inclusion for people seeking safety. Working in partnership, the council helps create communities where new arrivals are supported to rebuild their lives, take part in community life and feel valued across the county.

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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.”

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.

The building primarily comprises office accommodation and was completed in 1973.  Old County Hall dating from 1841 comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is listed Grade II*.

The sale offers the opportunity for the council to move into modern, net-zero accommodation enabling County Hall to be re-imagined by a new owner as part of the regeneration of the West End of the city centre of Oxford.

Receipts from the sale of County Hall will pay for the upgrading of Speedwell House with decisions to be taken on how any surplus would be deployed.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We took the momentous decision to move from County Hall in January and since then a lot of technical and professional work has been ongoing to progress the matter.

“We have now reached the milestone of marketing County Hall to potential buyers.

“County Hall is in a prime location in one of the world’s most famous cities and we anticipate a wide range of interest from the UK and across the world. 

“We believe that our decisions at County Hall and Speedwell House will improve the delivery of services and will help with the physical, social and economic regeneration of Oxford. We will use the move to stimulate this ambitious thinking for the city and the county as a whole.”

The marketing approach to County Hall will not dictate or pre-determine the future use of the buildings and will be designed to encourage as wide a range of interest as possible.

Old County Hall is included in the marketing of the site and allows the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.

All offers received will be reviewed in detail with a shortlist of potential purchasers to be selected and interviewed to determine the deliverability of proposals.

Decisions are expected to be made towards the end of 2024.

The move to Speedwell House

Under approved plans 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. Work is being completed to strip out the building.

This means work can commence in the middle of 2025, with the intention 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, and extra floors added to the current building.

Concept 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 only be minimal car parking at the site (for those with disabilities), with electric pool cars, secure bike storage and changing facilities provided for employees to support sustainable travel to and from work.

The building is close to the city centre with easy bus and train access and close to Thames Valley Police offices, the Magistrates Court and Crown Court with potential for shared use to save money for the taxpayer.

There will be an ambition for a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us not only to create a modern carbon-neutral office and a welcoming and comfortable space for our employees, councillors and residents, but also to help transform this part of the city and better support those using the area. We’re looking forward to seeing the new offices take shape and to moving in during early 2027.”

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After extensive and independent evaluation, and consideration by a cross-party cabinet advisory group on city centre accommodation, it’s proposed that the council moves its Oxford headquarters from County Hall to a reimagined Speedwell House campus. It is envisaged that the Speedwell Street offices would be an exemplar for carbon-neutral offices and providing exciting opportunities to deliver regeneration in Oxford.

The sale or lease of County Hall is expected to meet the refurbishment costs of Speedwell House’, which is already owned by Oxfordshire County Council. The old part of County Hall, which includes the council chamber and coroner’s court, would be included in engagement with the market to inform a final decision on its future.

The report to cabinet is clear that doing nothing is not an option – there would be significant investment required in County Hall to bring up to suitable use and even more for decarbonisation. It adds that by proposing to proceed with relocation to Speedwell House, not only would the council regenerate that part of Oxford but the release of County Hall would allow for better strategic planning in the West End of Oxford.  

A report will be presented to cabinet on Tuesday, 23 January.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “A lot of rigorous analysis has been going on since the cabinet last considered this issue in May 2023. The results of that analysis will be presented to cabinet for debate at our 23 January meeting, including a list of reasons behind the proposal being made by our officers.

“The paper to be presented makes the case that such a move would present value for money for the taxpayer as well as keeping to our principle of putting climate change at the heart of everything we do. This would be in line with our overall property strategy, which focuses on continuing our ongoing rationalisation of the buildings we use. This has already seen us reduce the number of buildings we occupy.

“While the property market as a whole is not currently in its most buoyant phase, the city centre of Oxford has largely been unaffected by these wider trends. As such, the strategy suggests we take advantage of this on behalf of the taxpayer.

“It is said that creating carbon-neutral offices would align very effectively with the council’s overall climate change strategy and a modern new headquarters would help with our aim of becoming an employer of choice in what is a very competitive jobs market. We would ensure that the new building is designed to reflect modern ways of flexible working.

“The report also states that quite apart from compatibility with the council’s own property that there are wider benefits to consider. For instance, the council’s headquarters being on Speedwell Street would have the potential to be at the heart of economic and social regeneration in Oxford. There is certainly plenty for cabinet to debate and consider when we meet on 23 January.”

The soldier is part of Oxfordshire County Council’s act of remembrance to those who served and sacrificed, and to show support for the valuable work of the Royal British Legion.

Royal British Legion’s silent soldiers are made of Perspex and are near life-size. They are being displayed by local authorities, businesses and individuals across the country, as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War One.

.The silhouettes have at their base the words 'Lest we Forget'. Any business or community group can buy and sponsor a silhouette and have its name incorporated in the base wording.

County Councillor Lynda Atkins, who is Oxfordshire County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed, rebuilt and changed the nation.

Oxfordshire County Council is supporting the ‘thank you’ movement by displaying this ‘Tommy’ silhouette. It symbolises the people of Oxfordshire who took part in the terrible conflict. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”

Oxfordshire County Council has already started a review of fire risks related to the construction and materials used in its buildings.

A spokesperson said: "These reviews are being conducted as a precaution, and are not the result of any concerns about specific buildings. We have not yet identified any sites that have used such cladding material but the review is on-going. We have offered support to schools to ensure that fire risk assessments and evacuation plans are properly managed.”

27 June: Firefighters at high-rise towers in Blackbird Leys reassure residents about fire safety

Three crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were at Evenlode and Windrush Tower in Blackbird Leys this afternoon door knocking and reassuring and advising residents about fire safety. Free Safe & Well visits were offered to residents who had concerns about fire safety in their home.

This follows Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Community Safety & Chief Fire Officer Simon Furlong speaking at a resident’s meeting in Blackbird Leys last night. Oxford City Council has confirmed that it will replace the rain-screen cladding on Evenlode and Windrush Towers with improved non-combustible material in line with the requirements of the new central government guidance.