Plans have been submitted to build a £6.6 million community building in Bicester as part of the final phase of the town centre regeneration project.
Cherwell District Council has submitted plans for the erection of a five storey building comprising community and town centre uses together with servicing and alterations to the vehicle access.
The building is proposed to house a new library, hotel and retail space and will incorporate energy saving measures in keeping with the Bicester One Shared Vision initiative to promote a sustainable town.
Cllr Norman Bolster, lead member for estates and economy, said: “This application represents the final stage of the project to regenerate Bicester town centre and the building will both complete and complement the Pioneer Square development.
“We first showcased this proposal at an exhibition in January and invited feedback from the public. Based on the comments received at the time, we are satisfied this proposal has been finalised to a standard which will satisfy both the requirements of the building’s future occupants and also the residents and customers who will utilise its facilities.”
The five-storey building has been proposed to be built on the existing Franklins Yard car park and will front on to Bure Place and Wesley Square.
The internal space will total 4,643 square metres comprising a mixture of hotel, office and retail use.
On the ground floor, space has been allocated for a Cherwell District Council Link Point, restaurant and/or retail space.
On the first floor, Oxfordshire County Council will house its new library and incorporate the Bicester Local History Society, with the remaining space being set aside for office use.
There will be further office space on the second floor while the third and fourth floors will be occupied by a 53-bed Travelodge hotel.
In keeping with Bicester One Shared Vision, the building will showcase environmentally sustainable developments including photovoltaic panels, use of combined heat and power and provision for cycle parking.
The building is working towards a BREEAM environmental assessment rating of very good.
The provision of the community building is a fundamental part of the Eco Bicester programme and will meet the need for high quality cultural facilities in the town centre to serve the existing residents and expected increased population.
The application is due to be discussed by councillors in May. If approved, work is due to commence in July and be completed by summer 2015.
For more information visit www.cherwell.gov.uk and search for application number 14/00403/F