Controversial bridge scheme cost rises by £3.7m

The council said the Oxpens River Bridge would contribute to better walking and cycling routes in the city

A controversial bridge will cost an extra £3.7m to build because of delays caused by a recent judicial review, a local authority has said.

The Oxpens River Bridge, which would link Oxpens Meadow to Grandpont Nature Park in Oxford, was approved last year and was supposed to have been built by March.

Campaigners against the bridge launched a judicial review into the decision earlier this year, which was dismissed by the High Court on all five counts in March.

The bridge was initially expected to cost £10.3m, but the city council now estimates it will cost £14m.

Oxford City Council said the increase in cost was due to the inflation of construction costs, caused by the delay from the judicial review.

In a report prepared ahead of a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, the council said it was working with potential benefactors, including Homes England and the University of Oxford, to bridge the funding gaps.

Protesters have demanded the withdrawal of funding for the bridge

Construction work on the bridge is set to begin in early 2026, with a view to be completed by February 2027.

Campaigners Friends of Grandpont Nature Park, who brought the judicial review, said it "hopes to save [the taxpayer] millions by scrapping the project altogether".

The group has submitted an appeal against the high court decision, and is waiting to hear whether it can proceed.

The city council previously said the bridge would provide a walking route between Osney Mead and Oxpens - with both areas set for regeneration with new homes and jobs.

Funding for the bridge currently consists of £8.8m from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, and £1.5m from the Housing and Infrastructure Fund from Homes England.

Those opposed to the development argue locals would lose a cherished nature park, emphasising that there is already a bridge a short distance away that could be fixed instead.