The demolition of an Oxford community centre continues ahead of the redevelopment of the site.

Contractors pulled down the roof of the Blackbird Leys Community Centre at lunchtime on Tuesday (February 20).

The 60-year-old centre is being knocked down as part of a major redevelopment of the Blackbird Leys area by Oxford City Council and developers Peabody.

A £7 million development incorporating new flats and shops will replace it.

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys Community Centre demolition

City councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said the new centre, along with the overall redevelopment, would be “a big boost for residents of Blackbird Leys.”

"The start of construction work on site is a major milestone in the long history of this project," she said.

A detailed planning application for the replacement community centre is expected to be submitted in spring 2024.

However, residents have expressed concerns it will be a smaller design and the redevelopment plan as a whole has drawn criticism over the impact on wildlife and other facilities.