Plans for a £5 million community building in Bicester which will house a hotel, library and commercial uses will be put on show to the public next week.
On Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 January a public exhibition will be held in the Pop In Cafe in Manorsfield Road, Bicester showcasing the multi-million pound development at the current Franklins Yard car park.
The exhibition will be an opportunity for people to view plans and images for the site, speak with stakeholder representatives and give feedback about the plans ahead of a planning application being submitted next month (February).
Cllr Norman Bolster, lead member for estates and economy, said: “The Bicester Community Building is the final stage of the town centre regeneration project. We have worked hard to strike a balance so the new building will complement and enhance both the modern Pioneer Square development and Bicester’s Old Town, while providing a hub for services and business.
“While we are satisfied this project will achieve these objectives, we want to encourage as many residents, traders and visitors to view the plans and give their feedback so we can be confident this new building will meet the needs of the community it has been designed to serve.”The five-storey building will face on to the new Wesley Lane and Wesley Square. On the ground floor offices will be made available for Brethertons and a Cherwell District Council Link Point alongside restaurant and retail space.On the first floor will be the new Oxfordshire County Council Library which will house the Bicester Historical Society. Further office space will be formed on the first and second floors, part of which will again be occupied by Brethertons while the third and fourth floors will consist of a 53-bedroom Travelodge hotel.
The community building has been designed to utilise existing car parks within the town centre and so will not include additional parking provision.
As many as 1,000 people are expected to visit the exhibition, which will run from 12pm – 6.30pm on both days. For those unable to attend, they will have until 31 January to view and comment on the plans at the council’s offices in Market Square or on the council’s website.
Following the consultation a planning application is expected to be submitted in February. If approved, contractors Morgan Sindall will begin work on site later this year, with an expected completion date of summer 2015.
To view the plans online visit http://consult.cherwell.gov.uk/public/bcc