OFFICIALS are starting work on a new bid for millions in Government funding to help boost growth in Oxfordshire.

Negotiations have started on a new round of funding for a series of schemes which will give the county’s economy a helping hand.

Earlier this year the Government agreed to put £15.7m of investment into Oxfordshire’s economy for 2015/16.

A further £92m could be made available and talks have now started to secure this funding for 2016/17.

Our top stories

Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “It will mean we have a firmer commitment towards some of the schemes.

“We will also see if there is anything else we can get forward funding for or if we can be a bit more ambitious.”

A £125m flood relief channel plan for Oxford and extending Didcot Parkway’s long-stay car park could get funds from the £92m pot. The Western Conveyance flood channel would run around Oxford to the west to divert flood water.

County director for environment and economy Sue Scane said negotiations would be completed by early January with an announcement early in the year.

She said: “Whilst new schemes and priorities will undoubtedly emerge, it is not envisaged that schemes outside the previously agreed ‘long list’ will be negotiated for the 2016/17 round unless a highly credible and persuasive case is made.”

The council’s cabinet agreed what schemes should get cash in 2015/16. These include road improvements in the Headington area where a number of medical research facilities are being built.

Mr Hudspeth said: “We are all looking forward to this money being spent in the future for the benefit of Oxfordshire people.”

He said it would give a “real focus” on creating jobs and skills to Oxfordshire’s economy “cutting edge and dynamic”.

Schemes on the ‘long list’ include: Oxford Station redevelopment – £72m; Western Conveyance – £125m; A34 improvements Phase 1 (including Seacourt park and ride) – £23m; Westgate Knowledge & Skills Exchange Centre – £400m; Didcot Science Bridge – £34.9; Countywide Superfast Broadband – £65m; Northern Gateway Innovation Area – £286.7m; Centre for Nano-technology – £89m; Centre for 5G telecommunications and applications – £11m

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone's contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.