Très Bonn Square
A rejuvenation project launched by Oxford City Council is set to provide a new lease of life to Bonn Square.
The venture has been undertaken in association with the Royal Institution of British architects (RIBA) aimed at creating a cultural hub for the city, including performance spaces, artwork and specialist lighting.
A plethora of architects will be invited to compete for the £1 million development contract, which also includes sections of New Inn Hall street and Queen street.
Principal planning officer Fiona Bartholemew said: "This is something the council's going to lead on and make a success. It's been a problem for many years."
It is likely that plans for the renovation will include a pedestrianisation of the area and the landscaping of the area.
The cultural re-animation of Bonn square is part of a wider project undertaken by the City Council.
Planners hope the project will have a positive impact on the entire of Oxford's west end.
Owners of the nearby Westgate centre, Capital Shopping Centres, have issued a press release envisioning an expansion of the shopping precinctto occur at the same time as the redevelopment of the square.
The plans for the expansion aim to integrate the centre into the surrounding area. in addition the group claims the project will "take into account the City's history."
However, confusion still remains at the City Council. Recent meetings have welcomed the idea, but retained doubt due to the lack of plans for the pedestrianisation of Queen's street.
Vice-chairman Matthew Sellwood told The Oxford Student: "The Queen Street issue cannot be overstated.
"My feeling is it's ridiculous to push forward with the Bonn Square design if we don't know if Queen Street is going to be pedestrianised."
20th Jan 2005