Oxford's Jericho Wharf boatyard 'piazza' plans approved

The centrepiece for the redevelopment would be an open public square outside St Barnabas Church

Plans to develop a derelict Oxford boatyard into a "Venetian-style piazza" have been provisionally approved.

Oxford City Council made the decision on the £20m development at Jericho Wharf on Tuesday.

It would feature a row of townhouses and a community centre built around a large Italian-style square.

A new boatyard is also planned with two dry docks and a wet dock - a public swing bridge will give public access across the Oxford Canal.

Phyllis Starkey, from the Jericho Wharf Trust, said: "This is a positive move - but it still remains a very complicated development to deliver."

Oxford City Council had previously rejected two planning applications in relation to the site, which has been derelict for 10 years.

The Venetian bell-tower of St Barnabas Church on the site has inspired the design of the square