Despite its enviable location within cycling distance of Oxford city centre and surrounded by greenbelt, the site of the Wolvercote Papermill was vacant for over a decade. Cala’s vision for the site will form the single largest development to take place within Wolvercote for a generation. It exemplifies Cala’s commitment to driving best value from challenging regeneration projects.

The Papermill site, owned by Oxford University, received Outline Planning permission for 190 homes in 2014. Following a tender process, Cala Homes (Chiltern) was selected to partner with the University to complete the Outline Planning process, finalise the S106 legal obligation and to purchase the land.

Cala worked alongside Glenn Howell Architects to overcome the challenging technical and environmental restrictions posed by this brownfield site to greatly enhance the original outline scheme. The final design addresses local concerns regarding the flood risk and the need for amenities, providing a broad range of properties including affordable homes, a GP surgery, community hall and light industrial unit.

A large portion of the village is protected and characterised under the ‘Wolvercote Within Godstow Conservation Area’, which includes 27 grade II listed buildings, so a high degree of design sensitivity was required. The final design was strengthened and improved by feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The development will marketed as ‘Wolvercote Mill,’ drawing on the site’s heritage. Once built, Wolvercote Mill will form a unique community of homes, designed for modern living, but also paying homage to surrounding historic buildings and the industrial heritage of the site and will breathe fresh life into this neglected parcel of land.