Willmott Dixon to Redevelop New Oxfordshire Council HQ

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28 October 2024

Oxfordshire County Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to redevelop Speedwell House in Oxford to create a 5,200m2 net-zero in operation office.

The four-storey building will be extended to support the council’s planned move in 2027. The new site will feature a new Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court in a modern building with sustainable technologies, including air-source heat pumps. The new building will also target a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.

The council’s current premises at County Hall in Oxford, which includes Old County Hall, the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court which is listed Grade II*, is now for sale.

Willmott Dixon was appointed through the National Procure Partnerships framework for the project after the county council’s cabinet agreed in January 2024 to move its headquarters.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “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.”

Councillor 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."

Picture: a CGI showing the current Speedwell House's exterior. Image Credit: Willmott Dixon 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 28 October 2024

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