Science lab development set to be approved

The demolition of a leisure centre complex to make way for a new development featuring science labs is set to be approved.

Planning officers have recommended Oxford City Council approves the Ozone Leisure Park project at Tuesday's committee meeting.

Proposals were submitted for the site next to the Kassam Stadium from landowner Firoka Group, developer Pioneer Group, and planning consultants Bidwells.

Their plans to demolish the existing Vue Cinema and Hollywood Bowl in 2023 were heavily criticised. New proposals were resubmitted in July 2025, with further revisions last month.

They included confirmation that a Grade II*-listed derelict pub on the site, which closed in 2013, will be revamped.

The 600-year-old farmhouse was built as part of Littlemore Priory in the 15th Century.

The plans said the "vibrant southern community hub" would be "anchored by the historic Minchery Farmhouse, which will be restored as a public house with medicinal gardens reflecting the site's heritage".

A new four-screen cinema with up to 510 seats is included on the wider site, with potential for an outdoor cinema and food market.

There will also still be an arcade and bowling alley, along with an electrical substation and a transport hub to support "future connectivity to the proposed Cowley Station".

Developers said the Ozone facilities in their current form were no longer sustainable and had to "evolve to ensure a vibrant future – securing jobs, attracting investment, and delivering a place for local communities to enjoy".

Proposals state that the current tenants' leases are "coming to an end".

A city council report states that the proposal would "generate additional employment and a boost to the local economy".

The plans say the development could support at least 1,700 jobs.

The report also says legal agreements would see £4.2m of funding handed over by developers for future parking, transport, roadworks, and bus services, with more than £8m required as a levy to support infrastructure around the new development.

The planning officer concludes with a recommendation to grant planning permission for the development "subject to addressing any comments made by the Environment Agency" which raised concerns about habitat destruction.

There is also a holding objection from Thames Valley Police around crime mitigation at the site.