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Oxford News By Hana Edition 44

Oxford News By Hana Edition 44

Countdown to ecstasy?

Mark Skipworth
February 26, 2026

Oxford News by HANA - Edition 44

Oxford Outlook: Countdown to ecstasy?

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Pity the residents of Oxford’s Botley Road! Having endured the noise, dirt and disruption of the city’s shambolic rail station upgrade, they must gird their loins once more and face a monstrous new challenge. I’m referring, of course, to the Great Big Green Thing.

According to the Oxford Mail, construction work is progressing fast at the 180,000 sq ft Fabrica life sciences complex, which is being built on their doorstep, and with it, of course, comes another unwelcome dollop of noise, dirt and disruption.

When finished, the complex will be tall, up to five floors high in fact. It is currently wrapped in vomit green protective coverings – see the photo below in our newsletter. Surely this hideous colour is only temporary? We live in hope.

The scheme has gone ahead despite local opposition, not least to the massive scale of development. City elders blame its height on the Westminster government which, they claim, wants to build taller for the sake of “growth” and “prosperity”.

But what about the poor residents? One local councillor described the building site as “extremely intrusive” in what is essentially a residential area.

For the really unlucky ones whose homes back on to this “vast new bulk”, they are having to put up with constant noise from at least 8am to 6pm, bright lighting day and night and a huge building which looms over them with no screen currently for privacy.

We all know Oxford is changing rapidly – no longer the “city of dreaming spires” perhaps, more the “city of aspiring geeks”. Yet a time is coming when the question must be asked: just how many science complexes does Oxford actually need? Councillor Lois Muddiman recently voiced concern that laboratories are being built speculatively across the city, and some could end up standing empty. Hmm.

Progress has never come cheap. But are Botley Road residents paying too high a price?

* Further up the Botley Road, the countdown at last begins. The Oxford rail station upgrade has been hit by innumerable delays, the overall cost having soared from £161m to £237m. Nevertheless, earlier this month, Network Rail reached a “major milestone” (its words) after replacing the old Botley Road rail bridge with a brand new wider one. It declared it was "firmly on track” (dreadful pun) to reopen the arterial road in August after it closed early in 2023, thus bringing relief to the city’s traffic woes. Why the wait, you might ask? Believe it or not, as of the beginning of February, work had not yet started on creating the new western entrance to the station. After all this time.

Still, with promise in our hearts, we are launching the Oxford Outlook Newsletter Countdown this week. And to be generous to the publicly-owned rail company, we will make August 31st the unofficial date of the grand reopening of the road. We make it 187 days to Botley Road Liberation Day. We’ll be counting down weekly, and rest assured, sharpening our quills if the number of days goes up between then and now.

Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor

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Databox

This week we focus on health in Oxford. Not a favourite subject for some. Pretty much everyone I know tells fibs to their GP when asked how much alcohol they drink. Nevertheless, the data is important for health professionals and instructive for we mere mortals.

Cigarette smokers Oxford 9.3%. A couple of puffs lower than the national local authority average of 11.4% in 2024. Smoking kills. It says so on the packets.
Cancer diagnosis at stage 1 and 2 Oxford 59.3%, compared with a national local authority average of 56.7%. This stat is mildly good news for Oxford. It means the city is catching cancer slightly earlier than the national average, rather than reflecting higher cancer rates. That means better survival rates. Data from 2022.
Preventable cardiovascular mortality (per 100,000 population) Oxford 22.5, compared with a national local authority average of 28.6 in 2024. Again, a good score for Oxford. Mortality means, er, death. So not the happiest stat this newsletter has spread. But let’s not that get in the way of a positive story for the city.

So, Oxford is – on some serious metrics – relatively healthy compared with the rest of the country. The message, though, is pretty clear. Quit the fags and get regular check-ups.

Source: Office for National Statistics

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…

Massive Botley Road laboratory buildings overshadow nearby homes

Oxford Mail · February 21, 2026

Construction is underway on the 180,000 sq ft Fabrica scheme in Oxford, designed to support science and innovation companies, despite local concerns over its height and potential noise and lighting disruptions. Set for completion in early 2027, the project includes a café and aims to enhance the city's Central Science District, while addressing worries about unoccupied laboratory spaces following recent retail closures.

Flooding persists in Oxford as heavy rains continue

Yahoo News · February 20, 2026

Severe flooding in Oxford's Botley area has submerged fields and affected roads, with Botley Park and Oatlands Road recreation ground being particularly hard hit. The Environment Agency warns that the Bulstake Stream is at a high level of 2.57 metres, raising concerns about potential property flooding as heavy rainfall continues.

Oxford's congestion charge generates £1m in a month

BBC · February 25, 2026

Oxfordshire County Council's temporary £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford has exceeded expectations, generating over £1.7 million since its launch, with plans to reinvest the revenue into free bus journeys to enhance travel options for residents and visitors. The initiative is effectively reducing traffic and improving journey times, according to transport chief Andrew Gant.

Oxford and Liverpool – the new ‘dream-team’ to retain UK talent and businesses

BBC News · February 22, 2026

Oxford and Liverpool have joined forces to retain UK talent and businesses, particularly in technology and innovation, with a focus on encouraging start-ups from Oxford's university to establish themselves in Liverpool. This collaboration aims to boost economic growth and advance research in critical areas such as vaccine development and neuroscience, ensuring prosperity for both regions.

Oxford marks Ukraine war four years after invasion

Oxford Mail · February 24, 2026

Oxfordshire County Council is showing solidarity with Ukrainian refugees by flying the Ukrainian flag at County Hall, following the arrival of around 3,000 families since the war began. Community support has been strong, with local residents opening their homes and emphasising the importance of helping refugees integrate into their new environment while advocating for peace and stronger action against Russia.

All-female Oxfordshire convoy to deliver vehicles to Ukraine

BBC · February 24, 2026

Karen Watt is joining an all-female convoy delivering vehicles to Ukrainian medics, commemorating International Women's Day with a 1,300-mile journey from Oxfordshire to the Ukrainian border. The project, founded by her son Fynn, has delivered over 300 vehicles since the Russian invasion began, and this mission will coincide with his 25th birthday on March 12.

Parents thank Oxford and London medical teams for 'miracle' baby born to first UK womb transplant from a dead donor

BBC News · February 24, 2026

Hugo has made history as the first baby in the UK born from a womb transplanted from a deceased donor, thanks to Grace Bell, who was born without a viable womb due to MRKH syndrome. This groundbreaking achievement, part of ongoing research led by Prof Richard Smith, highlights the potential for womb transplantation to offer new hope for women unable to conceive.

Oxford mum of brain-damaged girl blames NHS for maternity failures

BBC · February 26, 2026

Angel-Kay Mason, a young mother, faced severe complications during her high-risk pregnancy at John Radcliffe Hospital, feeling dismissed by medical staff despite her symptoms. After an emergency caesarean section due to an untreated infection, her daughter Aria suffered significant health issues, prompting the family to consider legal action and highlighting failures in maternity care as addressed by ongoing investigations into hospital practices.

Former US Secretary John Kerry awarded Oxford University degree

Yahoo News · February 25, 2026

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry received an honorary degree from Oxford University alongside seven other distinguished individuals, including historian and podcaster Dominic Sandbrook and journalist and author Christina Lamb, during a ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre. Emphasising the importance of spirited debate and civic engagement, Kerry highlighted the vital role of citizens in today's political climate, while Lord Hague celebrated the honorees' significant contributions to service, creativity and leadership.

Free bulky waste collections to tackle scourge of fly-tipping

BBC · February 25, 2026

Residents in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, are grappling with increasing fly-tipping, prompting the local council to reinstate free bulky waste collections and introduce community wardens with a dedicated budget of £142,000 to tackle the issue. Local resident Andy Beal highlighted how dumped waste often blocks access to gardens, emphasising the urgent need for effective solutions.

More than £86,000 spent on removing graffiti in Oxford

Oxford Mail · February 23, 2026

Oxford Direct Services has allocated over £310,000 for graffiti removal over four years, with Councillor Nigel Chapman stressing the urgency of addressing offensive graffiti within one working day. While Labour councillor Susanna Pressel notes a perceived decrease in graffiti, she advocates for better allocation of resources towards community services and encourages public reporting through Fix My Street.

Study shows that digital treatment with Tetris gameplay can dramatically reduce trauma memories

Ox · February 19, 2026

A groundbreaking study involving Oxford researchers reveals that a Tetris-based digital intervention significantly reduces intrusive memories in trauma-exposed healthcare workers, with 70% reporting no flashbacks after six months. This innovative approach offers hope for scalable PTSD treatment, especially as mental health challenges have surged among NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxfordshire County Council hits back at Sir Keir Starmer in pothole row

BBC News · February 21, 2026

Oxfordshire's transport chief, Andrew Gant, invited Sir Keir Starmer to witness the county's pothole issues after the Prime Minister criticised the county council for not using government funds allocated for repairs. Gant defended the council's efforts, calling Sir Keir's comments "untrue and unfair", especially in light of a significant budget cut impacting road maintenance.

Oxford e-scooter rider happy lethal pothole has been filled but considers legal action

BBC News · February 20, 2026

George Balkwill, an e-scooter rider, sustained injuries after crashing into a deep pothole on Oxford Road in Old Marston, which was hidden by rainwater. Frustrated with the local council's road maintenance, he is contemplating legal action as witnesses describe the pothole as "lethal", prompting calls for quicker repairs to ensure safer roads.

Thames Valley Police told to improve after inspection

BBC News · February 26, 2026

Thames Valley Police has been rated as requiring improvement in tackling corruption and upholding professional standards, with concerns about the absence of random drug testing for staff despite a policy permitting it. Additionally, the force's handling of complaints was criticised, as only a fraction of cases that should have been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct was reported.

Trial date set for Oxford student accused of racial hatred at pro-Gaza protest

BBC · February 24, 2026

Samuel Williams, a University of Oxford student, faces trial in 2028 for allegedly inciting racial hatred during a pro-Gaza protest in London, where he reportedly chanted a controversial phrase. The case highlights critical debates surrounding freedom of speech and hate speech within the context of protests.

Oxford University is set location for ‘Young Sherlock’ TV series

Oxford Mail · February 24, 2026

Hero Fiennes Tiffin stars as a young Sherlock Holmes in the upcoming eight-part series "Young Sherlock," which follows the detective during his Oxford years and his involvement in a globe-trotting murder investigation. Premiering on Prime Video on March 4, the series also features Joseph Fiennes, Dónal Finn, Max Irons and Colin Firth, offering a fresh take on Sherlock's early adventures and character development.

Sport

Oxford Outlook: The U’s

Oxford United ground out a resolute 0-0 draw away to second placed Middlesbrough in the Championship last Saturday (following the same result versus top placed Coventry City in the Midlands earlier in February).

Creditable results for United against the top two promotion candidates from a team languishing at the bottom of the table. But a 2-1 loss to Stoke City on Wednesday night was sobering for The U’s.

Draws and defeats don’t win football matches. Goals do. And the men in yellow don’t coin in enough of that crucial currency.

The U’s have scored just two goals in their last six matches – both in losing causes. Parking the bus on the 18-yard line is all very well but it won’t save your team from falling into League One.

Oxford lie deep in the drop zone – 23rd place on 29 points. That’s six from safety. The new stadium at Kidlington may have to give away tickets if The U’s go down. Scoring not boring needs to be the team motto from now on.

The Sports Desk

Narrow FA Cup defeat for Oxford United Women

Oufc ·

Oxford United Women were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Charlton Athletic in the Fifth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, with Lucy Fitzgerald converting a penalty following a handball from Grace Palmer. Despite a strong first-half performance, Oxford couldn't capitalise on their chances, and Charlton controlled the match after gaining a player advantage.

Property news

New house in Oxford to help homeless women opens

BBC News - February 23, 2026

Shelby, a resident at a newly refurbished women-only house in Oxford by Homeless Oxfordshire, shares her harrowing journey from homelessness to recovery, emphasizing the importance of emotional security and belonging for women in similar situations. The initiative aims to support these women with tailored trauma care as they work towards regaining their independence.