Picture caption: Oxfordshire County Council's current location at County Hall

Willmott Dixon’s net zero skills has been chosen by Oxfordshire Country Council to deliver its highly sustainable new headquarters building at Speedwell House.

The council is relocating from its current premises at County Hall in Oxford to a new four-storey home at Speedwell House, also in Oxford. Before this happens, Willmott Dixon will extend and redevelop Speedwell House to create a 5,200m2 ‘net zero in operation’ office.

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.

The proposed new location at Speedwell House

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.”

Faye Dolan, framework director at National Procure Partnerships framework, said:

“Procure Partnerships Framework are delighted to have supported Oxfordshire County Council on the Speedwell House project to procure Willmott Dixon. The construction of Speedwell House will provide a fantastic office facility, that is fit for purpose and provides a comfortable environment for Council personnel and residents. We look forward to seeing the project progress on site!”