Credit Crunch Boosts Community Plans for Jericho Canalside

Castlemore Securities, a well-known property development company, has gone into administration providing a unique opportunity for the community to acquire the old boatyard site in Jericho. The Jericho Living Heritage Trust (JLHT), a registered charity, is currently in discussions with the company’s administrators about the future of the Boatyard site.The Jericho Living Heritage Trust (JLHT), a registered charity, is currently in discussions with the company’s administrators about the future of the Boatyard site. Colin Dexter, author of the Morse TV series and Patron of the Trust said “We are all behind the Jericho Living Heritage Trust and its
tremendous efforts to acquire the old boatyard site for the community. Jericho will forever be my favourite location in this beautiful city of Oxford, and one of the only remaining places in the centre of Oxford were people can linger and enjoy the Canalside.”

“We are uniquely placed to acquire the site for the community and to take advantage of these extraordinary times,” said Peter Strong, chairman of the Trust. “We have been working extremely hard on this project, raising the necessary finances and listening to and liaising with all the groups involved.”

In August 2008 the Trust, working together with other groups, successfully defeated an appeal by the owners to build 54 residential flats on the boatyard site, raising significant funds to support the campaign.

The Inspector’s decision was the second time that a commercial planning application had been refused on the site. “There were over 700 letters of objection lodged during the appeal by local residents and people who care about the future of Jericho,” said Sir Christopher Ball, founder Patron of the Jericho Living Heritage Trust. “The Inspector’s decision gives hope to communities across the country wanting to safeguard the beauty and heritage of their local environment.”

"I am delighted that the work of the Jericho Living Heritage Trust is gathering momentum, and that the possibility of a locally-led redevelopment of the boatyard is drawing together such an exciting mix of interest, talent and enthusiasm. It will be a great achievement for all who care about the future of this fascinating quarter of Oxford. It will be a beacon of hope to many other communities who are facing similar challenges. I wholeheartedly support the aspirations of JLHT" said Father Jonathan Beswick, parish priest of St Barnabas, Jericho.