Growing support for compulsory purchase of Jericho Wharf site

“With support only growing for the Jericho Wharf Trust’s appeal, campaigners remain doggedly committed to the fight and the landowner stubbornly stagnant, it can only be a matter of time before the city reclaims this part of its heritage. When it does, it will be thanks to the remarkable persistence of  a group of volunteers and heritage champions who are determined to preserve the best of Oxford’s past.”
Oxford Times - December 4, 2025

Just over a year ago, we launched the campaign for the Council to acquire the Jericho Wharf site – by agreement or compulsorily – and bring an end to 25 years of dereliction. We have been busy, and with many positive results:#

Our campaign video, made with Film Oxford, on YouTube

A packed meeting at the Phoenix cinema with videos and q+a session

Over 2,200 supporters -- and growing -- on our Save Jericho Wharf petition

Front page of Oxford Times accompanied by powerful leader 

Why a new community centre

Newsletters issued every couple of months giving detailed progress

Erection of highly visible banners on the canal frontage, seen by thousands of people from the canal footpath

Widespread publicising of the Hong Kong landowner’s attempts to sell the site at an inflated price

A successful fundraising concert with the Jericho Singers

We have also had regular meetings with the City Council, the Canal and River Trust, St Barnabas Church, the Hong Kong landowners Cheer Team, other partners, supporters and potential funders. We cannot always report publicly on the continuing conversations, but we have made definite progress.

The Council has confirmed that a Compulsory Purchase Order is possible – if required – to bring the site forward for development.The Council has also agreed to work with the Jericho Wharf Trust to develop plans for a scheme including a new Community Centre and Boatyard. We have gained ground and built a groundswell of opinion in the right direction. However, there is more to do in the coming year when we will be running more events and hope to report further progress.

The Save Jericho Wharf Campaign depends on you, its supporters. If you have useful contacts or ideas, or feel you could help the campaign in any way, please contact us: info@jerichowharf.com
Please continue to support the Jericho Wharf Campaign and best wishes for 2026!