Exeter Close Redevelopment

The existing 1960s facilities had become expensive to maintain, and the council wanted to understand whether the site could support a more modern civic hub for Kidlington, bringing together community, healthcare, retail and public services.

Working under the One Public Estate programme, we carried out a strategic options appraisal and business case, helping the council compare potential approaches, understand funding routes and assess how public assets could better support future community provision.

Testing a viable route forward

The council wanted to improve facilities without placing additional financial pressure on the Parish Council. We explored funding options including cross-subsidy models, private equity forward funding and Public Works Loan Board funding.

Our review also considered the adjacent library site, including whether it could form part of a wider hub and whether the existing site could be released to create additional value.

Shaped around local services

The project needed to reflect the needs of local service providers and community users. We hosted stakeholder workshops with groups including GP practices, dental services and the community centre to understand their requirements and priorities.

We also tested five potential options, supported by CGI and 3D modelling, to help stakeholders understand the opportunities, constraints and trade-offs of each approach.

By testing the site’s potential, constraints and funding options early, Willmott Dixon Developments helped Oxfordshire County Council make informed decisions about the future of Exeter Close and identify a proportionate route forward for improving community facilities in Kidlington.