Following an initiative earlier this year by the then Liberal Democrat administration of the City Council, Oxford has now
been awarded a £2.1 million grant from the government’s Places for Change programme to improve the arts and culture services offered at the Old Fire Station, Gloucester Green.

The building will be refurbished throughout, to create a cutting edge arts-focused community centre. It will include spaces for performances, rehearsals, exhibitions and new social enterprises that will benefit the whole community.

The redeveloped building will also provide a new Skylight centre, operated by Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people. Skylight will be an educational and activity centre for people who want to learn new skills. It will offer creative workshops and formal learning opportunities to help people gain qualifications and find employment.

There are also plans to replace the nightclub with a social enterprise cafe or restaurant which will also offer training and work experience in the hospitality industries, which abound in Oxford. The existing theatre and art gallery will be retained and refurbished and there will be new facilities for community groups to perform and practice.

I have stated publicly that “This is very exciting news for an area of the city so often neglected in the past. Crisis is an excellent charity, and although new to Oxford has a proven record of supporting homeless and vulnerable people in London and Newcastle.”

Consultation with local residents and businesses has already started. Further, “This is a fantastic opportunity and will surely gain local support. No overnight accommodation is being provided. The centre will mainly operate during the day. It will add a buzz to the area”.

I am committed to make this regeneration project a success. Please contact me if you have any questions or interested in supporting this project.