Thursday 21st June 2007

Yesterday evening the Jthree team travelled up to Shrivenham for the prize giving of the 2007 BCS Oxfordshire Web Competion. We were pleased to win the Senior Second Prize this year considering the unprecedented number and quality of entries. Osiris Web Design from Faringdon Community College won first prize for their website www.fcc-engineering.co.uk, while the Junior Shield was presented to Rush Common Primary School.

Saturday 12th August 2006

For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle will be Unlocked revealing episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Visitors will be able to experience the austere confines of the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-wing and the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old underground Crypt. Not only that, climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, now open for the first time in its history, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views over Oxford.

The new visitor attraction, named 'Unlocked' is now open every day except Christmas Day from 10am to 5pm. Entrance is £5.25 for children, £6.95 for adults, and £5.95 for senior citizens and students.

Sunday 9th June 2006

The Westgate Partnership has submitted a detailed planning application for the £300 million refurbishment, part redevelopment and extension of the Westgate Centre, Oxford.

The proposals include the creation of new shopping streets, a John Lewis department store, a prominent new entrance for the library, a new car park and city centre homes. Significant improvements to the environment around the Westgate Centre will also contribute to the increased vitality of this part of Oxford.

Richard Cable, director for The Westgate Partnership said:

“We are delighted to have reached such a major milestone. The evolution of our scheme over the last two and half years has been a truly interactive process, with local people and stakeholders making a significant contribution to our proposals at every step of the process, initially through the major public consultation on the Westgate Masterplan and then through
extensive consultation and feedback on the detailed designs of the individual buildings.”

“Our proposals are seen as a significant improvement to the existing Westgate, delivering much needed modern retail space, new homes and a more vibrant public space to this part of Oxford.”

The new buildings, designed by two award winning architects Allies and Morrison and Building Design Partnership working with renowned landscape designer, Robert Townshend, aim to reconnect Westgate to the rest of Oxford City Centre and the wider West End.