STORY
The UK government has appointed regeneration expert Neale Coleman CBE as Chair of the newly established Oxford Growth Commission, a pivotal step in accelerating housing, infrastructure, and job creation across Oxford and its surrounding areas. With a distinguished track record that includes leadership roles in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Coleman is tasked with spearheading efforts to unlock development potential in the region. The Commission’s objectives align with the broader Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor initiative, projected to contribute up to £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
The Commission’s mandate encompasses several key areas:
– Facilitating the delivery of priority transport infrastructure, such as enhanced bus and rail services, ensuring alignment with development zones.
– Addressing utilities constraints, including sewage treatment, water, and energy capacities, to remove barriers to new housing and employment opportunities.
– Identifying a pipeline of priority housing projects, emphasising affordability, amenities, and green spaces.
– Collaborating with universities to attract private investment in skills and talent development, boosting local employment.
– Piloting innovative investment models to unlock financing for accelerated infrastructure projects.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasised the significance of Coleman’s appointment, stating, “Unlocking Oxford’s full potential would make a significant contribution to kickstarting economic growth.”
Coleman expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting Oxford’s strengths: “Oxford starts with amazing resources in the world-leading quality of its universities, the talents of its people, and its innovative businesses. We can use all this as a springboard to accelerate and unblock barriers to sustainable growth.”
The Commission will work closely with local authorities, universities, and industry stakeholders to drive forward the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to build 1.5 million homes and critical infrastructure nationwide.