The Jericho Wharf Trust had spared no effort to try to purchase the derelict Jericho boatyard and secure it for the community.

Having submitted a bid, the trust must be bitterly disappointed by the news that the site may in fact be purchased by Strategic Iconic Assets Heritage Acquisition Fund.

But despite the dashed hopes, we must await details of what is being proposed.


The city council earlier this month wisely set out at length just how the canalside site should be transformed.

The whole purpose of the planning blueprint, the council said, was to make clear to developers what Oxford expects, with any new development to include a new community centre, housing, public square and of course a new boatyard.


Any developer would be wise to set out how they propose to meet the council’s and local community’s demands at an early stage. We have reached this bridge before and the developers must know they can only cross it with local support and goodwill.