Castlemill block changes could cost £30 million

The University has published the report on the impact of the Castlemill student block on Port Meadow. It concludes: "The development has had adverse effects on the landscape character and views, and the setting and significance of heritage assets, and so does not currently comply with local planning policies". The report says that "further mitigation" is required and presents three options: Option 1. New cladding and some tree planting. Estimated cost £6 million. Option 2. As with option 1 and modification of the roof forms. Cost £13.5 million. Option 3. As option 1, plus removing the top storeys. Cost £30 million. The Option 3 cost is made up of: £12 million - Costs of physical works. £2.5 million - Loss of rent during works £8 million - Loss of rent over the lifetime of the building £7.5 million - Cost of building replacement accommodation elsewhere. the University is proposing Option 1. For the Save Port Meadow Campaign, however, only Option 3 - one floor off - is acceptable. This the option they are urging the City Council to insist upon. They will will be holding a public meeting on the issue at 7.30 pm on December 4 at St Barnabas Church. The issue is now out for public consultation until December 20. It will be considered by the City Council’s West Area Planning Committee in January. For convenience, the non-technical summary is available by clicking HERE Further details on the City Council website. The images below show the likely impact of the different options, in Spring.