Castle Mill
‘The University is to house students for the next academic year in the new graduate accommodation at Castle Mill as planned. We are confident both that the site is fully environmentally suitable for residential use and, after taking independent legal advice, that we are acting reasonably and responsibly in using the accommodation for its intended purpose. The City Council has been informed as part of our continuing dialogue on the project.
‘We have addressed all contamination issues on the site in their entirety and carried out all necessary remedial work, to the satisfaction of the city and environmental authorities. City officials have confirmed that the site contamination has been properly addressed and that the ongoing monitoring arrangements offered by the University meet the Council’s requirements.
‘We are conscious of the City Council’s requirement that the University should place fewer than 3,000 of its students in private rented accommodation to reduce pressure on Oxford’s housing market and the purpose-built Castle Mill accommodation enables us to achieve this goal.
‘The University will continue its discussions with the City Council and local residents to refine proposals for landscaping.’
Castle Mill is located in central west Oxford at the end of Roger Dudman Way off the Botley Road close to the Railway Station. There is a designated cycle track that leads from the site to Port Meadow car park and Walton Well Road. This gives cycle and pedestrian access to Jericho, North Oxford and the Science site bypassing the city centre.
The accommodation is in three blocks (ground to third floors) around a central courtyard, with 8 new blocks that will be ready for September 2013. In Blocks D - L the tenancy start dates will be either on 23rd or 30th September. No changes can be allowed.
Please note that landscaping work to the grounds of Castle Mill may still be continuing when tenants arrive in late September/early October. This will be completed as soon as possible.
Viewings
For health and safety reasons no viewings of properties in Blocks D - L can take place before the tenancy start date.
Description
The accommodation for couples and families comprises studio flats, and one and two bedroom flats. The studios and one bedroom units have a shower-room and the two-bedroom units have a bathroom with a shower.
Bicycles
There are cycle stores and a shed on site.
Car parking
There is no on-site parking for tenants at Castle Mill.
Lifts
There will be lifts going to all floors in Blocks D, E, F, G, J AND K.
Cleaning
Tenants are expected to keep their flats clean and to provide their own cleaning materials. A vacuum cleaner for use by all tenants is available.
Common Room
There will be four common rooms on site which can be booked for parties and other gatherings. One common room is near the main entrance at the Roger Dudman Road end - the others are located within the three foyers.
Computer connection
All the flats have a computer connection to the University Network. Please note connection must be by CABLE only - WIFI is not permitted.
Electricity
Tenants pay for the electricity used by quarterly account.
Furnishing/Equipment
The flats are equipped with the basic furniture required, including an electric cooker with four rings, grill and oven and a fridge with a freezer compartment. Tenants must provide their own bed linen (including pillows), crockery, cutlery, cooking and household items. There is a Newcomers' Club which helps newly-arrived wives, husbands and partners of members of the University.
Heating
The flats Blocks A-C have gas central heating and hot water provided by a combination boiler. Flats in Blocks D-L will have underfloor heating provided by a combined heat and power unit (CHP) which is more energy efficient.
Laundry
There is a laundry, coin operated, on site. It has four washing machines and four dryers. There are also four ironing boards available.
Telephone
It has been decided to remove the University telephone lines at Castle Mill as most new tenants opt out anyway. However, the lines will remain in all the disabled units.
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