Plans submitted by the University of Oxford to redevelop their Wellington Square buildings could see the closure of Common Ground, a popular cafe and work space for students. The development work would see the rebuilding of 25 Wellington Square, the refurbishment of terraced buildings for graduate accommodation and a new “state of the art” academic facility.
Common Ground is a coffee shop, community arts and co-working space in the heart of Little Clarendon street, known for its distinct and creative identity. As well as serving refreshments, Common Ground also sells second hand clothes, vinyls, exhibits local art, and hosts live music and comedy nights. Developing 25 Wellington Square will require Common Ground to relocate whilst construction takes place. Although the new building includes plans for a cafe on the corner of Little Clarendon and Walton Street, it remains unclear whether Common Ground itself will have a future at the site.
Little Clarendon street which runs behind 25 Wellington Square has a reputation for being one of the ‘coolest’ places in the UK. One local resident told Cherwell that: “I’ve lived in Oxford my whole life. Little Clarendon has always been a vibrant, bohemian community with lots of quirky shops. It’s already lost a lot of that over the years and this development will yet again swallow up more community spaces like Common Ground.”
Managing Director of Common Ground Eddie Whittingham told Cherwell that the new development “endangers our mission. We are hoping to work collectively with Oxford University to preserve Common Ground’s spirit and what it means to our local community.
“Common Ground has always aimed to bridge the schism between Town and Gown, and we believe that with the right attitude and an effective approach, this redevelopment could do just this.”
Common Ground is currently in discussions with the University and hopes that it will be provided with a temporary home whilst construction is underway, as well as a permanent home once the redevelopment is completed. Eddie added that: “although it is fairly early on in quite a long-term process, we have been very impressed with Oxford University’s engagement with us”
One student who frequents the cafe told Cherwell that: “Common Ground has a really nice vibe. It adds something unique and special to Oxford that it would really miss if it were to go.”
A second public consultation on the University’s plans is open until 10th March and takes place ahead of a formal planning application in Spring. If approved, construction will commence in two phases beginning mid-2026 with completion planned for 2029. The first phase involves demolishing and rebuilding 25 Wellington Square. The new building will house teaching and administrative spaces, alongside retail units and public spaces.
In the second phase, University-owned terraces on Wellington Square and Walton Street will be refurbished for new graduate housing. These buildings will be more accessible with street-level entrances. Communal gardens will also be re-landscaped and additional bicycle parking spaces will be installed.
At the consultation, a local resident told Cherwell “this is just another case of the University taking over again. We haven’t been particularly engaged, and even if we were it would be a paper exercise. This development feels like a foregone conclusion.”
The proposed design of the new building seeks to respond to the surroundings of Little Clarendon Street and to enhance the public realm through wider footpaths. Both phases of the development will also have sustainability in mind, including features such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.
Cherwell has approached the University about the future of Common Ground and the Wellington Square Development but they are yet to reply.
