Construction has begun on a new Oxford City Council project in Northway, Headington, that will provide 15 much‑needed homes.

A turf‑cutting ceremony on Tuesday 14 July at Westlands Drive signalled the start of the £5 million development. The scheme is being funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account, with the council’s wholly owned housing company OX Place acting as development manager alongside contractor LIFE Build Solutions.

The milestone also saw the unveiling of colourful site hoardings created by pupils from nearby New Marston Primary School with arts charity AT The Bus, which provides art as therapy for children and young people in schools.

Working with AT The Bus, the children produced self‑portrait clocks from recycled vinyl records, bringing a vibrant celebration of the local area to the construction site.

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The block on Westlands Drive will include a range of one‑ to four‑bedroom homes.

Eleven of the new homes will be council properties: six for social rent and five for affordable rent. In Oxford, social rent is typically around 40% of the equivalent private market rent, while affordable rent is usually 60–65% of the private rent level.

The remaining four homes will be available through shared ownership, enabling buyers to purchase an initial share of between 10% and 75% and pay rent on the remainder.

Homes will be heated by electric air source heat pumps, with a fabric‑first approach to reduce energy use and help cut bills. The development is designed as low‑car, with two wheelchair‑accessible parking spaces and a third for visiting carers, plus cycle storage. One property will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Landscaping will include new trees, curved benches and new roosting features for birds and bats.

Westlands forms part of the council's wider programme to address Oxford’s housing pressures by delivering high‑quality, sustainable homes. Since its establishment in 2016, OX Place has delivered new housing across the city and expects to complete more than 150 homes during 2026.

New residents are expected to move in during 2027.