Oxford City Council’s proposed sale of a commercial property to St Peter’s College has drawn criticism from local residents and elected representatives.
The proposed transaction would see the university institution acquire 11 New Road, a mixed-use building opposite county hall, with intentions to transform the premises into dedicated student housing.
Documentation submitted to the planning authority outlines St Peter’s College’s ambition to repurpose the upper two levels and construct an additional third floor, creating 24 bedrooms for students.
The acquisition remains conditional upon securing the necessary planning consents, following which the college would assume full ownership from the council.
The institution already maintains a leasehold interest in the building’s topmost level, which operates as a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation serving the student population.
Should the disposal proceed, American Nails, a nail salon currently occupying the second floor, would be required to vacate the premises.
The ground-floor establishments Castle News and Classy Barbers would continue operating from the property.
The group has mobilised opposition through a public petition attracting approximately 400 signatures, while organising a demonstration ahead of the cabinet deliberation.
Independent city councillor Saj Malik has also registered disapproval, advocating instead for the council to explore the possibility of establishing social housing for Oxford residents.
The elected member noted that approximately 4,000 households currently await permanent accommodation in the city, suggesting the asset could address acute housing pressures.
Cabinet members are scheduled to convene on Wednesday evening to determine the sale’s fate.
Supporting documentation indicates that whilst existing lease arrangements generate revenue for the local authority, ongoing preservation obligations associated with the structure could prove financially burdensome.
A council representative explained that St Peter’s College, already occupying part of the building, approached the authority with a purchase proposal following which commercial terms were established.
The official emphasised that disposing of the freehold would generate capital funding capable of supporting community investment and services across Oxford that would otherwise prove unattainable.
The spokesperson further noted that the transaction would eliminate prospective liabilities, as retaining ownership would necessitate substantial future expenditure.
The council representative clarified that the development would preserve two existing commercial operations, confirming this position through both the planning submission and public communications.
Modifications under consideration apply to upper levels and basement areas rather than ground-floor retail space.
Online claims regarding loss of community facilities were described as inaccurate, with the property characterised as part of the council’s commercial investment portfolio housing professional tenants exclusively.
A college representative stated that the institution currently leases a six-bedroom student flat within the building and had negotiated terms with the council for full acquisition, subject to planning approval.
The spokesperson confirmed the intention to maintain Castle News and Classy Barbers on the ground floor whilst converting remaining areas across existing and proposed additional floors to create 24 student rooms.
The project was cited as aligned with the college’s strategic objective to expand available accommodation for students who might otherwise seek housing in Oxford’s private rental sector.
The cabinet meeting at which this matter was debated took place following initial publication of this report.