Calls for the creation of a playground in the city based on continental designs have been passed by the city council.

A group known as Oxplay set up a petition at the end of September, which has now been signed by more than 1,800 people.

Josie Procter from the group presented the petition to councillors at the meeting.

She said: “We believe that Oxford city centre is great for retail, and history and culture, but not for families. 

“We believe a barrier for families from all over the city and county who could spend time, and money, in the city, is the lack of a play space for kids to safely burn off energy between stops.

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“You only have to look at the smiles on the faces of the children using the recently installed carousel on Broad Street to see the joy a play area would bring."

An exact location has not been disclosed for where the playground could go in the city centre at this stage.

City councillor Katherine Miles, of the Summertown ward, put forward a motion in support of the proposal.

At the meeting she said: “Children do not get a vote, but we represent them, and we should really make sure that their needs are heard.

“By creating a public open space for children, we can make Oxford a child friendly city.

“It’s time to commit now. We do not have the funding, but let’s not make the barriers before they even start.”

Councillor Louise Upton spoke in support of the motion, and said: “I know that the first few years are really critical for healthy social and emotional development.

“This could not be more important. We have a lot of great green spaces in this city but we have very little in the city centre, and I think that needs to change.”

Councillors Emily Kerr, Lubna Arshad and Chewe Munkonge also spoke in support of the motion.

The city council voted unanimously in favour of the petition.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Procter said: "We are delighted that the council wished not only to allocate a motion to this petition, but then debate it and support it unanimously.

"We recognise this is the beginning of the process, but we hope to see a playground in Oxford city centre in the not so distant future."

Oxford City Council will have to fund the development, with Oxplay suggesting developer funding or corporate sponsorship as funding options.

In her speech, Ms Procter said: “Today isn’t about finding the money right now.

“It’s about establishing the principle as something this council wants to do, and seeks to find funds for."

The petition was previously brought to the county council, who would be responsible for providing road space, at their full council meeting on Tuesday, November 5.

In their written response to the petition, the county council said they will work with the city council to allocate highway space and consider play space opportunities in the city centre.

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby