Building work has commenced deliver a new community centre and social homes in East Oxford.

The  £5.4 million redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre will create a modern, accessible, purpose-built centre with a lower carbon footprint.

The project will see:

• The Old School building on the corner of Cowley Road and Princes Street completely refurbished, improving the performance of the building itself, to create a new kitchen, new toilets and more flexible community spaces.

• The Fusion Arts buildings demolished, making space for a low-carbon three-storey building that will house these groups and future users.

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Over recent months, contractor ODS has been clearing and preparing the site for work, including removing asbestos and demolishing ageing buildings that were no longer safe. ODS will construct the new community centre.

The site will also see OX Place, on behalf of the Council, develop 12 energy efficient flats for social rent next door to the community centre in Princes Street.

This will provide one- and two-bedroom council flats in a great location, with a hub of activities and community support on their doorstep.

In Oxford, social rent is typically around 40% of equivalent private rents.

In April, work will also start at the related site in Collins Street. The work will see OX Place build 14 new homes for shared ownership.

The sale of the new homes on both sites will help fund the East Oxford Community Centre redevelopment.

The East Oxford Community Centre redevelopment and new council homes are expected to be completed by summer 2025.

The new shared ownership homes in Collins Street will also be completed by summer 2025.