A major development on the edge of Oxford has started to take shape as councillors signed off the design of the central landscape and a new public square.

Oxford North is an innovation district that will include one million sq ft of laboratory and workspaces, 480 new homes, hotel, nursery, cafes, bars, and three public parks once it is built at the city's northern boundary.

At a meeting on Tuesday (October 17), Oxford City Council’s planning committee approved the detailed design of the new central park, wildflower meadow, woodland, pond and children’s play area in the £700m development.

READ MORE: New central park revealed for Oxford North

Oxford Mail: An impression of Oxford North’s new children’s play area

Oxford Mail: An impression of a view across pond at Oxford North

The design of a new public square was also agreed north of the Red Hall - a huge structure comprising retail units and working spaces.

The central landscape was designed by landscape architecture practice Gustafson Porter + Bowman, which previously worked on Chelsea Barracks and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in London.

Practice partner Sibylla Hartel spoke about the designs.

She said: “We have focused on wildflower meadow planting, climate-resistant Mediterranean planting and a new pond, which will be a natural feature.

“The woodland area will be a welcoming space in design and visual terms, providing a natural edge to the park.

“The pond, while forming part of the overall sustainable drainage strategy and contributing to biodiversity net gain, will also enhance the park’s visual amenity…

“The new public square will be a hive of activity and the children’s play area a welcoming place for families and carers to all enjoy.”