Marick Real Estate has announced the appointment of Watkin Jones Group as the construction partner for the redevelopment of 38-40 George Street into "Wilde Oxford."

The project will deliver a new design-led, 145-unit lifestyle aparthotel featuring dedicated social spaces. The development also incorporates a 400m² versatile community space designed in partnership with Makespace Oxfordshire to serve as a hub for local activities. Building contracts were finalised earlier this month, marking a key milestone for the Gloucester Green area.

The scheme has entered the mobilisation phase. Site hoarding is scheduled for installation in mid-August, with welfare cabins and demolition works anticipated to commence in late August, keeping the build in line with projected timelines. Practical Completion and handover to Marick, Staycity Group, and Oxford City Council is targeted for Q1 2029.

To mitigate local impact, a strict Construction Management Plan (CMP) will be deployed. The Gloucester Green Market and all surrounding businesses are confirmed to remain fully open and operational throughout the construction lifecycle.

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The project features a strong sustainability focus, targeting a BREEAM "Excellent" rating. It is designed to achieve a 60% Biodiversity Net Gain, reduce carbon emissions by over 40%, and will be enrolled into Oxford City's "Safe Places" scheme.

Matthew Kimberley of Marick Real Estate commented: "We are delighted to bring Watkin Jones on board as our construction partner. Moving to mobilisation and demolition phases is a big step forward for the George Street regeneration. We are committed to working closely with our neighbours, and Watkin Jones will be holding introductory meetings with residents, market traders, and local businesses to ensure lines of communication are open from day one."

Cllr Ed Turner, Deputy Leader of Oxford City Council, said: "I'm really pleased to see this important development moving forward, bringing investment, new jobs and high-quality accommodation to our city centre. Keeping Gloucester Green Market and surrounding shops open throughout the works is especially important, and we will continue working closely with everyone involved to make sure the area remains a vibrant and welcoming place."

Simon Walford of Staycity noted: "Oxford is one of the most exciting hospitality markets in the UK, with a global reputation and strong demand from visitors year round. This development is an exciting investment for us and an important step in our continued growth."

Kelly Morgan, Wilde Director, added: "We're delighted to be bringing Wilde to Oxford. It's a city rooted in culture, creativity and discovery, which makes it a natural fit for our brand. We're known for creating stays for people who value great design, authentic experiences and a genuine connection to the places they visit."

Andy Edwards of Makespace Oxfordshire stated: "With affordable community spaces in the city centre becoming rare, this long-term commitment to a locally owned hub for collective action is vital."

Alex Pease of Watkin Jones concluded: "This is a strong addition to our delivery pipeline, further supporting our diversification into the hotel sector and marking our first development partnership with Marick Real Estate. This transaction demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality urban schemes in vibrant cities like Oxford."