Oxford city-centre buildings included in the approved Clarendon Square redevelopment are expected to adopt the appearance of historic construction dating back roughly 200 years.
The Clarendon Centre site will be transformed through plans approved for a pedestrian-led public square bordered by retail, dining and office premises, with routes linking several of Oxford’s busiest streets.
The scheme was designed by classical architect Quinlan Terry.
His portfolio includes work associated with King Charles III’s vision for Poundbury in Dorset and Richmond Riverside in London, as well as some of the United Kingdom’s prominent contemporary architectural projects.
Planning submissions set out how the new structures would draw on traditional architectural principles while complementing Oxford’s historic character.
Honey-coloured stone cladding has been selected for the façades, which are also expected to incorporate classical detailing, painted timber sash windows and stone balustrades.
According to the design team, the choice of materials and building techniques is intended to make the development appear far older than its actual construction date.
The stonework would use narrow, carefully laid joints to reproduce the appearance of buildings erected around two centuries ago.
The designers also say the approach would allow the development to age naturally without looking outdated shortly after completion.
Clarendon Square has been planned as a substantial public space primarily for pedestrians, with areas intended to support socialising, shopping, outdoor dining and cultural events.
Its creation is also expected to change how people move around the city centre.
Parts of the existing covered shopping malls would be opened up to bring additional daylight and air into the area.
Commercial units would line the resulting streets, which planners envisage as bright and spacious.
Improved pedestrian connections are planned between Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, Shoe Lane and Carfax.
A separate route would also connect Queen Elizabeth II Mall with Carfax Square.
The developers believe these changes could increase activity in a part of central Oxford that has historically attracted lower footfall than the city’s principal shopping streets.
As much of the existing site structure as possible is expected to be retained.
The design team says this approach would limit demolition, reduce the project’s carbon footprint and lessen disruption to archaeological remains underneath the site.
Architectural features positioned as visible focal points are intended to draw people towards the square and encourage wider exploration of the development.
Once finished, the scheme is designed to combine traditional architecture with present-day commercial functions, including shops, cafés, restaurants and offices, around a new central public space in Oxford.