Sir – Your correspondent of November 4 regrets the absence of a concert hall for Oxford. This has so far failed, mainly for want of a suitable site, but one is available now, although there is not much time for a decision, which should be made now.
There have been plans for the area west of the ring road, which have been much criticised as offering a boring and undistinguished introduction to Oxford from the west. Only a very special building will be suitable and this could be provided by a concert hall.
So much publicity and kudos would come with a concert hall for Oxford that many architects should be interested, if only to show what a fine building could be created with a limited budget.
A concert hall within the city would never be viable; we need citizens from around Oxford and there are plenty who would welcome the opportunities that this would bring. Car and coach parking is essential but buses could be laid on, on concert nights.
If this idea could be accepted in principle ie that this is the site for our concert hall, the details could be hammered out from now on. This would be a great attraction for many people outside the ring road and up to 30 miles away; perhaps London orchestras would be interested in performing there, with parking guaranteed and modern comforts in place for their performers.
Come on Oxford. This is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity. Grasp it now.
Maureen Berman (Mrs), Oxford
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