We are thrilled to announce a series of community engagement events to shape an exciting new vision for Ozone Leisure Park on Grenoble Road, OX4 4XP. Together with Firoka Group (landowner), Pioneer Group (developer) and Bidwells (planning consultants and project managers), we’re inviting the community to reimagine Ozone as a vibrant science and community cluster.
The Ozone Leisure Park has long been a destination for people of all ages, offering entertainment, dining and leisure activities. Shifting trends in the leisure market have led to vacant units and the potential loss of key tenants. To ensure a vibrant future, the park must evolve – securing jobs, attracting investment and maintaining its family leisure offering. We would like to create a new employment opportunity on the site and use this investment to support new leisure opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
The Vision
At the heart of the redevelopment is a bold vision to create a community innovation district that:
- Inspires the local community
- Celebrates Oxford’s world-leading research
- Creates access to jobs and opportunities
Guided by the principles of PLACE, COMMUNITY, SCIENCE, and ENVIRONMENT, the development will combine cutting-edge research facilities alongside community programmes, workshops and STEM education to enhance local opportunity.
In addition to office and laboratory space, we’re also prioritising leisure and community-focused uses—and this is where we would like the community’s input. Transition by Design, our Oxford-based community engagement consultants, will be leading opportunities to co-design the leisure and community elements of the project.
We Want to Hear from You
The local community’s voice is central to this project. We’re inviting residents of all ages and backgrounds to share their ideas, shape the design, and help shape the brief and design of the leisure use and community elements of the project. Your feedback will directly influence how this new cluster takes shape.
Get Involved
Plans are being drawn up for a replacement cinema at a scale that will be attractive to operators, and Oxford-based community engagement specialists, Transition by Design, are exploring other ideas for valuable community amenities. The investment secured through this project will help ensure that the evolving mix of new and enhanced facilities remains sustainable in the long term.
Additionally, this investment will restore The Priory (Minchery Farmhouse) and put it back into a sustainable long-term use, taking it off Historic England’s “at-risk” register and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Upcoming Design Workshop
A community event is being launched to engage local residents, businesses and visitors in shaping the future of the Ozone Leisure Park.
The event, taking place at the Main Concourse of Ozone Leisure Park on 20 March from 2pm to 8pm, will offer an opportunity for the project team to engage with local residents, understand their priorities, and share thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for the site. It will also highlight proposed improvements and explore ways to create a more sustainable, welcoming and vibrant destination for the future.
You can also get involved in the following ways:
- On-the-Ground Engagement
We’ll be attending community events in February and March to hear your initial thoughts and ideas. If you’d like us to visit your community group, let us know using the contact details below. - Youth Engagement
We’re partnering with youth groups to ensure their voices are at the heart of this project. Sessions will take place from February to April 2025.
Further Information
Keep up to date with the project through the project website Ozone Reimagined, where you can also find Frequently Asked Questions on the Project.
Stay Connected
We’ll also be rolling out regular updates to keep everyone informed about the project’s progress.
We look forward to working together to co-design the Ozone Leisure Park into a modern, inclusive, and inspiring science and community cluster. We can’t wait to hear your ideas and collaborate with you.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the upcoming events, please contact us at:
Transition by Design Cooperative
Person of contact: Wongani Mwanza
Email: ozone@transitionbydesign.org
Website: Ozone Reimagined
Phone: 01865 959 571
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the Ozone Leisure Park stay as it is?
The Ozone Leisure Park is unsustainable in its current form, with vacant units, short-term leases, and tenants relying on reduced rent agreements. To thrive, it must evolve with new and improved amenities, more public spaces, and community-focused facilities. Significant reinvestment is needed to secure its future, attract businesses and create jobs fit for the future.
Will the Ozone Leisure Park remain affordable and accessible to all?
Yes. Oxford-based community engagement specialists, Transition by Design, are actively exploring ideas for valuable community amenities to enhance inclusivity and accessibility across the site. Transition by Design is listening to the people who know and love the Ozone best, ensuring that any future changes reflect the needs of the local area and remain sustainable for the long term.
Don’t we need more leisure space with all the planned housing?
Our proposals aim to deliver a more balanced offer, with flexible leisure and community space delivered alongside commercial development. By reinvesting in the site, we can create an environment that supports both the growing community and the demand for a variety of community facilities. This includes adding more green spaces and diverse leisure options for everyone.
The site always seems busy, why isn’t it viable?
While the site may appear busy at times, the current facilities are outdated and no longer financially sustainable. Many tenants have been relying on reduced rent agreements, and with short-term leases and vacant units, the site struggles to attract long-term investment. To remain viable, the park requires significant reinvestment and modernisation to meet current demands and to secure its future.
Is all the existing leisure space being replaced by science labs?
No. The project will be a mixed-use site, featuring both lab and office space, alongside leisure and community spaces. The office and lab space is essential to fund the delivery and long-term success of the leisure and community spaces.
We want to hear from you about what types of leisure and community spaces you would like to see. For example, would the community like to see a continuation of a cinema space, or are there other uses that would be beneficial to consider?
What sort of community facilities are you considering?
We are considering a range of community facilities based on feedback and the needs of the local area. These may include flexible event spaces, areas for social gatherings, recreational facilities, and new green spaces. We are also exploring options for educational or cultural spaces, along with potential health and wellbeing services. Through the investment delivered by additional office and lab space, we can make these community spaces a reality. We are keen to hear from the community about what facilities would best serve their needs.
Will you keep a cinema?
Plans are being drawn up for a replacement cinema at a scale that will be attractive to operators. The final decision on its inclusion will depend on community feedback and demand, but we are committed to ensuring that leisure options, including a cinema, are considered in the plans.
Which areas of the site are being considered for redevelopment?
The redevelopment involves the existing leisure park area. It does not include the Kassam stadium or the car park.
Is this a University of Oxford project?
No. This project is being led by Pioneer Group. It is not a University of Oxford development.
What about young people?
We know the existing site is popular among young people in the local area, which is why we are placing a strong emphasis on youth engagement and involvement. We are partnering with local schools and youth organisations to ensure that young people are actively involved in the design process and have a say in the leisure and community spaces being developed.
What about the Priory Pub? Is it going to be included in the redevelopment?
Yes. We are exploring ways to restore the building, possibly bringing the pub back into use and creating a mixed-use community space. We would like to hear from local groups and individuals about ideas for this heritage asset.
How can I have my say and get involved?
Come along to our upcoming drop in event on the 20 March. The event will be taking place at the Main Concourse of Ozone Leisure Park between 2pm and 8pm. The session will include:
• Discussions on challenges, opportunities, and community priorities for the future
• An overview of the regeneration project and key objectives
• Collaborative workshop sessions to gather insights and ideas
Your expertise and input will be invaluable in ensuring the project aligns with local needs and aspirations. We hope you can join us in shaping a positive and sustainable future for the Ozone and the wider area.
We will have further opportunities for community engagement in the coming months.
