Oxford explores new Thames footbridge

Oxford City Council is to explore the feasibility of a new pedestrian bridge over the River Thames to help the redevelopment of the Osney Mead district on the southwestern edge of the city. The council is to spend £300,000 on an initial feasibility study and has been allocated £6m by Oxfordshire County Council for scheme delivery from the county’s £215m Housing and Growth deal with Government. Matt Peachey, Oxford’s economic development manager, told councillors: “Should the feasibility work demonstrate that it is not possible to deliver the scheme within the budget envelope, or timeframes agreed with the county council, the city council will, through the funding agreement, retain the option not to move forward with the project, and return the remaining funding.”