Oxford City Council is preparing to take steps to unlock the long-delayed redevelopment of the Jericho Wharf site, a prominent waterfront location that has remained largely derelict for nearly two decades.
A report published on 10 March 2026 proposes that the council seek a new development partner to bring forward the site if the current landowner cannot progress plans that align with local planning policy.
Councillors will be asked to consider the proposals at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Long-awaited development
Jericho Wharf sits beside the Oxford Canal in Jericho, close to the city centre, and has long been identified as a key redevelopment opportunity.
Planning permission had previously been granted for development on the site, but that consent has now expired. Despite discussions between the council and the landowner over several years, no progress has been made.
Local residents and community groups, including the Jericho Wharf Trust, have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of development and the condition of the site.
The council now says it wants to ensure the area finally delivers the homes, public spaces and community facilities originally promised.
Council exploring new development partner
Under the proposal, the council would begin a procurement process to identify an alternative development partner capable of acquiring the land and delivering a viable scheme.
The approach aims to bring forward a mix of housing, improved public realm and community facilities in line with the Oxford Local Plan.
If Cabinet approves the proposal, the process to select a new development partner is expected to take six to nine months.
During that time, the council will continue discussions with the current landowner and local stakeholders.
Compulsory purchase considered as last resort
As part of the strategy, councillors will also consider whether the council should prepare to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire the site if it cannot be obtained through agreement.
The report makes clear that a CPO would only be pursued as a last resort, and only if all legal requirements can be met.
An existing £200,000 capital budget has been allocated to support initial work, including procurement and preparatory steps. Any further costs associated with a potential CPO would be expected to be recovered from a future development partner.
Council response
Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management, said the community had been waiting too long for progress.
He said:
“The local community has waited far too long for progress at Jericho Wharf, so we’re exploring ways to make sure the site finally delivers the homes and community facilities they were promised.
“We continue to engage with the landowner but, failing any progress there, we should also look for a new partner who can make this happen.
“The use of CPO powers would only ever be a last resort, and only if all legal tests are fully met, but all options have to be on the table, as the current situation is not acceptable and has gone on for far too long.”
What happens next
If the Cabinet approves the proposals, the council will begin the process of identifying a development partner while continuing negotiations with the landowner.
Should compulsory purchase become necessary, a further report would be brought back to Cabinet outlining the legal case before any formal action is taken.
For residents in Jericho, the move signals a renewed attempt to finally bring one of Oxford’s most talked-about stalled sites back into development.
