History

In 1923, Oxford City Council purchased from Christ Church 16 acres (6.5 ha.) of land which it was already leasing from the College.  At that time the land was divided into five main uses:

  • St. Ebbe’s Recreation Ground, on an area known as Ballow Ham;
  • St. Ebbe’s bathing place for children;
  • The St. Thomas’ Recreation Ground behind St. Thomas’ school in Osney Lane;
  • An area known as ‘The Oxpens’, where there were Allotments and
  • the Oxpens Recreation Ground. (much larger than today's Oxpens Meadow).

Why did the City buy the land?

The City maintains that the land was purchased under Section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875. This allowed the Council to buy land to be ‘used as public walks or pleasure grounds’. The City’s stated purpose in acquiring this land was to continue its then current use and to secure a site for the building of a new road (what today is known as Oxpens Road, opened in 1931).

What happened to this open space?

Within a few short years the allotments had disappeared (1930) and the bathing place was closed (1938). Little by little the land on the northeastern side of the road disappeared under bricks and mortar – the largest single development being the building of the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, opened in 1971.

The southwestern side of Oxpens road was subjected to piecemeal development, including the car and coach park, and the Ice Rink opened in 1984.

Thus down the years all but about 5 of the original 16 acres of open space have been lost to development. Oxpens Meadow alone survives – just!

It is the only publicly owned open recreation land in West Oxford on the City side of the Thames. This is an asset too precious to lose.

Town Green status would ensure the retention of Oxpens Meadow in perpetuity as a public open space for the enjoyment of the people of Oxford and visitors to the City