Oxford have announced over 100 new affordable homes

Previously ranked one of the most unaffordable places to live in the UK, the city has reported 111 new affordable homes will be built.  

The new properties, which are part of the first 317 energy-efficient new homes that Hill, an award-winning housebuilder based in the South, is delivering at Canalside, will be a mixture of social rent and shared ownership.

‘Canalside at Oxford North represents a landmark residential development for the city, and we are delighted to agree on the delivery of the project’s affordable housing to Oxford City Council,’ said Andy Hill OBE, chief executive of The Hill Group. ‘This agreement ensures local people will have access to sustainable, well-designed homes on an affordable basis, build to the high standards of which The Hill Group is renowned.’

The proposed plans are set to go above and beyond. Homes at Canalside have a strong emphasis on sustainability in a bid to help the city reach net zero targets by 2030. Homes include air-source heat pumps, solar panels and living green roofs. The development also boasts water consumption reduction measures, electric car charging points and amply cycle storage.

In addition, the development will deliver a minimum 5% biodiversity net gain – the homes will be designed around a large landscaped communal park with play areas, meadows, and an activity lawn.

As well as the new homes providing significant benefits to the environment, the construction phase also comes with community benefits through the recently published Oxford North Phase 1 Community Employment Plan (CEP) to maximise the opportunities created for locals and businesses during the next 18 months.

The CEP covers local labour, supply chain, and procurement, as well as engagement with educational institutions, youth and apprenticeships, and disadvantaged communities.

Cllr Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing at Oxford City Council, said: ‘Providing sustainable and affordable homes is one of our key priorities as a council. This agreement is a major boost, enabling us to provide 89 homes at genuinely affordable social rent and helping another 22 households to home ownership.’

The first homes in the development are due to be completed by spring 2024.

Image: Toa Heftiba