On 14th September, Advanced Oxford welcomed colleagues from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), economic consultants Metrodynamics, Homes England, Oxford Growth Commission, Oxford City Council and a group of Advanced Oxford members from Oxfordshire’s innovation spaces and sites to discuss the evidence base for a potential Development Corporation for Greater Oxford. The workshop, which was chaired by Advanced Oxford’s Managing Director, Sarah Haywood, was hosted by Oxford North.
MHCLG is currently developing an economic evidence base, that will be considered by Ministers later in the autumn, for the establishment of a Development Corporation, building on the recommendations from the Oxford Growth Commission. There was much to discuss, as work is underway to determine the economic basis for a Corporation, its geographical footprint, its role vis a vis other organisations, including questions such as its relationship to a potential inward investment unit for Oxfordshire, something that is being considered through the Equinox initiative. It is also important to ensure that there is strong democratic accountability and that the relationship with local government is clear, especially as local government reorganisation – which is currently paused – moves forward.
A Development Corporation is likely to have a key role in drawing in investment from Government to address issues of infrastructure and bring forward land for development. It will be responsible for breaking down barriers to implementation and will formalise relationship with key statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency.
Advanced Oxford hopes to hold another workshop in October, as the work progresses. A consultation on a Development Corporation will be held later in the year, with the Corporation potentially being established in the summer of 2027.
