Why can’t the Ozone Leisure Park stay as it is?

The Ozone Leisure Park is unsustainable in its current form, with vacant units, short-term leases, and tenants relying on reduced rent agreements. To thrive, it must evolve with new and improved amenities, more public spaces, and community-focused facilities. Significant reinvestment is needed to secure its future, attract businesses and create jobs fit for the future.

Will the Ozone Leisure Park remain affordable and accessible to all?

Yes. Oxford-based community engagement specialists, Transition by Design, are actively exploring ideas for valuable community amenities to enhance inclusivity and accessibility across the site. Transition by Design is listening to the people who know and love the Ozone best, ensuring that any future changes reflect the needs of the local area and remain sustainable for the long term.

Don’t we need more leisure space with all the planned housing?

Our proposals aim to deliver a more balanced offer, with flexible leisure and community space delivered alongside commercial development. By reinvesting in the site, we can create an environment that supports both the growing community and the demand for a variety of community facilities. This includes adding more green spaces and diverse leisure options for everyone.

The site always seems busy, why isn’t it viable?

While the site may appear busy at times, the current facilities are outdated and no longer financially sustainable. Many tenants have been relying on reduced rent agreements, and with short-term leases and vacant units, the site struggles to attract long-term investment. To remain viable, the park requires significant reinvestment and modernisation to meet current demands and to secure its future.

Is all the existing leisure space being replaced by science labs?

No. Our proposals retain key leisure uses, including the cinema and bowling and enhance the wider offer to help Ozone remain a vibrant, family-friendly destination.

The office and lab space is essential to fund the delivery and long-term success of the leisure and community spaces.

What sort of community facilities are you considering?

We continue to consider a range of community facilities based on feedback and the needs of the local area. These may include flexible event spaces, areas for social gatherings, recreational facilities, and new green spaces. We are also exploring options for educational or cultural spaces, along with potential health and wellbeing services. Through the investment delivered by additional office and lab space, we can make these community spaces a reality. We are keen to hear from the community about what facilities would best serve their needs.

Will you keep a cinema?

We have developed plans for a 5 / 6 screen cinema as part of the proposed redevelopment.

Which areas of the site are being considered for redevelopment?

The redevelopment involves the existing leisure park area. It does not include the Kassam stadium or the car park.

Is this a University of Oxford project?

No. This project is being led by Pioneer Group. It is not a University of Oxford development.

What about young people?

We know the existing site is popular among young people in the local area, which is why we are placing a strong emphasis on youth engagement and involvement. We are partnering with local schools and youth organisations to ensure that young people are actively involved in the design process and have a say in the leisure and community spaces being developed.

What about the Priory Pub? Is it going to be included in the redevelopment?

Yes. We are exploring ways to restore the building, possibly bringing the pub back into use and creating a mixed-use community space. We would like to hear from local groups and individuals about ideas for this heritage asset.