Canalside could get housing

2:00pm Friday 17th October 2008

The canalside in Banbury could get a multi-million pound regeneration and become a site for 1,200 new homes.

If the town's flood alleviation scheme goes ahead next year, the 45-acre site between Bridge Street, Cherwell Street and the railway line would become suitable for development.

Cherwell District Council has been working with English Partnerships to determine how the area could be regenerated. It would also mean some of the town's housing allocation could be built there as an alternative to a greenfield site.

But there are complications as the site has lots of different owners.

Also, Banbury United Football Club would lose its home and the landowner would have to provide a new stadium.

On Monday, Cherwell's executive agreed to push forward with proposals to rejuvenate the area.

Kieron Mallon, leader of Banbury Town Council and executive member for communication, said: "This option provides a genuine brownfield site which would provide for the regeneration of Banbury town centre.

"This is probably the last chance to regenerate the canalside as a whole.

"It's not an easy site, but it could provide a new heart to the town and be a gateway through the town centre by either rail or the canal network.

"The council recognises this would revitalise the whole of Banbury town centre. There would not just be housing, but jobs and shops for the community."

Michael Gibbard, executive member for planning and housing, said: "This site is far from straight forward and no doubt there will be many problems to overcome.

The next step will be to meet landowners, the council and English Partnerships to discuss a way forward.