Oxford Castle Quarter attractions get green light
BBCPlans for a virtual reality heritage attraction, a wine bar and motorsport simulators have been approved as part of efforts to revive part of a historic city centre site.
The development at Oxford's Castle Quarter would bring several long-vacant units back into use, following approval for new signage and changes of use for a cluster of buildings off New Road.
The site, centred around the 11th Century Norman castle, is home to a hotel, restaurants and visitor attractions, but a number of premises have remained empty for several years.
Planning documents submitted by Oxford Unwrapped set out proposals for four new venues.
The attractions will include a virtual reality experience focused on Oxford's history, a cafe and wine bar, and Formula One-themed driving simulators.
Some of the buildings involved were constructed in the early 2000s, while others incorporate parts of the Grade II listed former Oxford Prison.
The authority, which already owned the freehold, said it wanted to boost activity in the area between Oxford railway station and the Westgate Centre.
A planning statement said the Oxford Unwrapped venture aimed to provide "a commercial visitor offer that educates and entertains residents and visitors to Oxford".
It said the proposals would complement existing tourist attractions in the Castle Quarter, while providing a "quiet and respectful" use of the buildings.
The plans include refurbishing the former La Tasca tapas restaurant, which closed in 2016, and a former Pizza Express unit, which shut in 2020.
Documents submitted with the application described the former La Tasca building as being in a "dilapidated" condition and in need of a complete external refurbishment.
In a report recommending approval, a city council planning officer wrote: "In 1996, the prison closed and in the early 21st Century permission was granted for the redevelopment of the site as a hotel and visitor attraction.
"However, the economic changes and challenges of recent years, as well as changes within Oxford's retail and leisure offer, have led to numerous vacant units within the Castle Quarter."
The officer said the proposed signage was appropriate for the historically sensitive site, including a Grade II listed building that once served as a prison governor's office and is set to become a wine bar.
They added that the scheme would bring several public benefits, including improved energy efficiency and the continued use, maintenance and conservation of historic buildings.
