The move marks a significant shift toward environmentally conscious infrastructure, as the council transitions from its current location at County Hall to a cutting-edge, net-zero facility.
The project involves the redevelopment and expansion of Speedwell House into a four-story, 5,200 square meter office space designed to achieve "net zero in operation" status. As the main contractor, Willmott Dixon will apply its expertise in sustainable construction to ensure the new headquarters aligns with the council’s environmental goals.
The relocation to Speedwell House not only reduces Oxfordshire County Council’s carbon footprint but also demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainability and responsible resource management in public buildings.
The company has been procured through the National Procure Partnerships framework for the project after the county council’s cabinet agreed in January 2024 to move its headquarters to Speedwell House in 2027. It allows the council to move into modern, net-zero accommodation, which in turn will enable its former home at County Hall to be re-imagined by a new owner as part of the regeneration of the West End of the city centre of Oxford.
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Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "We believe that our decisions at County Hall and Speedwell House will improve the delivery of services and will help with the physical, social and economic regeneration of Oxford. We will use the move to stimulate this ambitious thinking for the city and the county as a whole.”
Willmott Dixon will start work to extend Speedwell House and add extra floors in 2025, once designs are complete. It underlines Willmott Dixon’s role as one of the country's leading contractors for building new or refurbishing existing building environments to become net zero in operation. Recent examples include the Bridgend College redevelopment, a new campus for Wigan & Leigh College and the TBC. London development that will be net zero in operation when complete."
Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for finance, added: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us not only to create a modern carbon-neutral office and a welcoming and comfortable space for our employees, councillors and residents, but also to help transform this part of the city and better support those using the area. We're looking forward to seeing the new offices take shape and to moving in during early 2027."
Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South said: "We're excited to be working with Oxfordshire Country Council to take forward its vision for a new future at Speedwell House. Being involved early will enable us to help develop plans that deliver on their net zero ambitions at the best possible value.
"We recently completed a series of decarbonisation projects for Oxford City Council at four leisure centres: Ferry Leisure Centre, Leys Pool and Leisure Centre, Barton Leisure Centre, and Hinksey Outdoor Pool. We’ll be taking the skills and learning from here to Speedwell House."
