Housing Minister visits Oxford North's first new homes
Minister of state for housing and planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has visited Canalside Quarter, to see Oxford North's first new homes.
As part of Oxford North's masterplan, it is set to become a key catalyst for unlocking future growth in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, to support the government’s vision for the region's housing, employment and investment.
This visit follows the government’s latest announcement to help build the next generation of new towns across England, to help create the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.
The new homes sit within reach of the new amenities being created in Oxford North, which includes new workspaces for start-ups to global companies, a cafe, a two acre public park and in the future, a hotel and a nursery.
Oxford North’s 64-acre masterplan, led by Thomas White Oxford, will transform the area into a new hub for science and technology. Alongside new homes, the district will deliver world-class research space, parks and community amenities, creating a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood and generating an estimated 4,500 new jobs to the local area.
The visit coincided with National Apprenticeship Week 2025, highlighting the government's commitment to apprenticeships in construction, a key priority in addressing skills shortages and boosting economic growth. A new government announcement is set to give employers greater flexibility around apprenticeship requirements, potentially allowing 10,000 more people to qualify each year.
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "Oxford urgently needs more high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing, and developments like Canalside Quarter are crucial to addressing this challenge. We are pleased to see the first homes at Oxford North taking shape, including 111 affordable homes for our residents, delivered through our wholly owned housing company OX Place.
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when councils and developers work together to create homes, jobs, and opportunities for our communities. The inclusion of apprenticeships and skills development also ensures that the benefits of this project extend beyond housing, supporting the wider economy and future workforce."
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