An abandoned waterfront property in Oxford has been acquired by a college belonging to Oxford University, with pledges to finally undertake development work on the premises.
Worcester College, located on Walton Street, has finalised the acquisition of Jericho Wharf from the Hong Kong company Cheer Team, though the financial details remain private.
The harbour facility, dating from the 1700s, has remained essentially unused since the early 1990s, despite numerous attempts to bring forward redevelopment schemes.
The transaction was announced by the college on Tuesday evening.
In a written communication, the institution stated that the purchase signals the start of an important new era for a historically significant location that has sat largely unoccupied for almost twenty years.
The college emphasised its dedication to returning the space to active use through thoughtful redevelopment that acknowledges its historic character while benefiting the surrounding neighbourhood. Officials acknowledged the considerable interest expressed by local inhabitants and other parties regarding the site’s future.
In the months ahead, the college intends to consult with local residents and relevant groups as proposals take shape, aiming to address both the college’s long-standing requirements and the wishes of the broader community.
The Jericho Wharf Trust, which represents local organisations advocating for community-led development, expressed pleasure at the transaction.
Board member David Edwards noted that for the first occasion since 2013, when the disused boatyard was acquired by Cheer Team, genuine optimism exists that it will be developed to serve both the owner’s interests and those of Jericho residents.
According to the trust, throughout Cheer Team’s thirteen-year stewardship, the property progressively deteriorated.
The trust observed that a series of planning submissions, appeals, approvals and subsequent failures to commence construction upon receiving permission demonstrated insufficient dedication from the company.
Planning consent for a combined residential and community scheme encompassing houses, a boatyard facility, community space and a public plaza expired this February, two years after being awarded on appeal.
In December 2024, the trust launched a campaign urging Oxford City Council to repossess the property through compulsory purchase.
By March of this year, cabinet responsibility holder Ed Turner communicated that tolerance had been exhausted due to the absence of progress.
On Tuesday, Mr Turner expressed considerable satisfaction regarding the sale, observing that the site had remained stagnant for an excessively long period. He noted that the council had issued threats of compulsory purchase because the prevailing circumstances and complete inaction were entirely intolerable.
The trust committed to collaborating with the college to advance redevelopment concepts for the location.
These plans are anticipated to encompass a new community facility, boatyard operations and a public open space, alongside provisions for a new canal crossing.
In a statement, the trust indicated that it would be commencing a community engagement process. Residents of Jericho and the wider city of Oxford, having endured years of broken promises and reversals regarding the site, deserve the chance to share their perspectives.