Healthy place shaping
The new public square and road changes are designed to support healthier and more active lifestyles. The square will work alongside the community centre to broaden the range of activities on offer and provide active play spaces.
The new square will have dedicated cycle routes extending along Blackbird Leys in both directions – towards the city centre and southwards towards Evenlode Tower.
There will be improved pedestrian routes through the estate.
The designs were developed in partnership with the Leys Health and Wellbeing Partnership and other health stakeholders including health trusts and GPs.
Employment and training
We are committed to delivering a programme that provides opportunities for upskilling, training and employment. This is to support the local workforce and the construction sector, as it faces a skills shortage.
Peabody is working with our contractor Hill during the construction phase to create apprenticeships and on-site training.
We will also work collaboratively with local schools such as the Oxford Academy, colleges and providers, particularly City of Oxford College, Leys CDI and Job Centre Plus.
More housing choice
All new homes will be social rent or shared ownership.
Homes for those looking to downsize and/or looking to live independently are being provided at the District Centre.
New shared ownership homes will offer local residents and others an opportunity to own their own home.
Sustainable proposals
All new buildings will be more sustainable. The new community facilities aim to be zero carbon, meaning they will be cheaper to run and more affordable for the community.
All homes will be well insulated and efficient using heat recovery systems to help keep bills for residents as low as possible.
New public spaces
There will be a new public square in the District Centre, which will provide new green spaces and play areas for the community.
At Knights Road there will be a new central green and environmental improvements to the brook, making it better managed and more accessible.
Encouraging investment in the Leys
The development will help to encourage wider investment in Blackbird Leys in the short-term and far into the future.
These are long term changes to support the community. The new centre, public square, shops and homes are an opportunity for real change.
