Iconic Wharf site has new owner

The sale of the Wharf site, was announced on the Worcester website: "This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for an important historic site that has remained largely unused for almost two decades. The College is committed to bringing the site back into productive use through a carefully considered redevelopment that respects its heritage and contributes positively to the local area."

This outcome is the fruit of years of patient and professional work by the Jericho Wharf Trust. It was the JWT that in 2025 initiated the campaign for a compulsory purchase of the site, which the City Council finally agreed to in March 2026. At the same time, the Trust has been having very productive discussions with Worcester College on their potential purchase of this neighbouring land.

JWT Trustee David Edwards at the Cardigan Street entrance. Photo: Maggie Black

‘We are delighted,’ said JWT trustee David Edwards. ‘For the first time since 2013, when the derelict boatyard site was bought by Cheer Team, there is real hope it will be developed in the joint interests of its owner and of the people of Jericho’.

During the 13 years of its ownership by Cheer Team, the site became progressively more derelict. A dismal litany of planning applications, appeals, permissions and then failure to build once permission was granted, showed a lack of commitment from Cheer Team. In December 2024, the JWT began to campaign for the City Council to reclaim the site by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). On March 18^th 2026, the Council Cabinet initiated the CPO process, with Deputy Leader Ed Turner declaring that ‘Our patience is at an end’. This signalled to Cheer Team that further delay or obfuscation would gain them nothing. They subsequently decided to sell.

The Trust will be working with the College to bring forward proposals for the redevelopment of the site – including a new community centre, boatyard and public square with provision for a new canal crossing. The Trust would also like to see a mix of housing on the site, as set out in the Local Plan policies.   

Chair of the Jeircho Community Association Alex Hollingsworth said: "This is wonderful news.  Jericho Community Centre is right at the heart of our neighbourhood, and is the focus for groups from across the whole city and outside it. We urgently need a new building."

The College says: "We recognise the strong interest that local residents and other stakeholders have shown in the future of the site. Over the coming months, we will be engaging with the community and other interested parties as we develop proposals that seek to meet both the College’s longstanding needs and the aspirations of the wider neighbourhood."

The JWT will be initiating a process of community consultation. The people of Jericho and of Oxford as a whole, having lived so long with promises and retractions over the site, need an opportunity to express their views.

The College with the Trust will be arranging a public meeting later this year to discuss the next steps.