County council headquarters put up for sale

The old County Hall dates from 1841

The County Hall building in Oxford is officially being marketed for sale.

It follows Oxfordshire County Council's decisions in January to move its headquarters to Speedwell House in 2027.

The council said that the sale offered the opportunity "to move into modern, net-zero accommodation" and enable County Hall "to be re-imagined by a new owner".

Profits from the sale would pay for the upgrading of Speedwell House.

The old County Hall, which dates from 1841, comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is Grade II listed.

Speedwell House's building primarily comprises office accommodation.

The local authority said the marketing approach to County Hall "will not dictate or pre-determine the future use of the buildings and will be designed to encourage as wide a range of interest as possible".

Old County Hall is included in the marketing of the site, which allows the council to assess market interest.

Decisions on any offers are expected to be made towards the end of the year.

County council leader Liz Leffman said it "anticipates a wide range of interest from the UK and across the world".

“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," she said.

The move to Speedwell House

Visions for the new building on Speedwell Street include use of air source heat pumps and minimal car parking

Speedwell House is close to the city centre, Thames Valley Police St Aldate's Station and the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

Its concept designs include a new Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court in a "modern, fit for purpose and accessible" building.

The council said work was being completed to strip out the existing building, which meant work for the new headquarters could commence in the middle of 2025.

The vision includes use of sustainable technologies, such as air source heat pumps, and "minimal car parking at the site" for disabled users, with electric pool cars, and secure bike storage.

Dan Levy, cabinet member for finance at the council, called it "a once in a lifetime opportunity" to create "a modern carbon-neutral office and a welcoming and comfortable space for our employees, councillors and residents".