Politics & Council · Oxford
Councils team up to restart stalled Woodstock library project
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Oxfordshire County Council and West Oxfordshire District Council have announced a joint effort to build a new library and community hub on the site of the former facility.
Residents of Woodstock are set to see progress on the long-vacant Hensington Road library site after two local authorities confirmed a new partnership to deliver a modern library and community hub. The site has remained empty and fenced off since the original building closed in 2018 due to structural issues.
Oxfordshire County Council and West Oxfordshire District Council have agreed to combine resources and expertise to accelerate the development. While a temporary library service has been maintained at the Oxfordshire Museum for the past eight years, officials acknowledged that its limited capacity and location have restricted the range of services available to the community.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, and Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, announced the move following a joint visit to the site. The councils intend to form a working group, which they will co-chair, to steer the project through the necessary phases of feasibility, design, and funding.
The plans extend beyond a simple library replacement. The councils aim to integrate a broader range of community services under one roof, creating a sustainable, future-ready facility. This initiative is part of a wider programme across the county to modernise library infrastructure and improve accessibility to community spaces.
Engagement with the local community will be a priority as the project moves forward. The authorities have pledged that residents will remain central to the vision for the new hub, with plans to consult the public to ensure the final design meets local needs. The project also involves collaboration with Blenheim Palace, which currently holds ownership of the adjacent old police station site.
While significant work remains, including securing planning permissions and finalising the design, both councils have signalled a clear intent to move as quickly as possible to rectify the long-standing uncertainty surrounding the derelict site.
Source: Oxfordshire County Council · View original