Sir – May I make a suggestion concerning the siting of future development(s) for the proposed “Health Valley Science Park(s)”. These were reported (November 18) as a hub for developing healthcare technology.
Don’t banish the development(s) to outside the Oxford ring road. There is a plot, of perhaps rather under-used wooded land, east of the Isis, south of the University Boathouses, just below where the River Cherwell meets the main river.
Such a sensitive site deserves the best. So launch an architecture competition.
I suggest criteria for success to include:
1: Good enough design to attract visitors eg Salford Quays
2: ‘Green’
3: Car parking, for disabled people only
4. River-front open for public access.
I realise the loss of wooded land is generally a bad thing. Therefore ask the public for their views, if no project is good enough, abandon the idea.
Christopher Lawson, Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here