Minister of state for housing and planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has visited Canalside Quarter, to see Oxford North's first new homes.

Developed by award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, Canalside Quarter is providing much-needed sustainable homes in the centre of this key strategic location. As part of Oxford North's masterplan, it is set to become a key catalyst for unlocking future growth in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, to support the government’s vision for the region's housing, employment and investment.

This visit follows the government’s latest announcement to help build the next generation of new towns across England, to help create the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

Designed by visionary architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, this impressive collection of 317 energy-efficient homes, includes 111 affordable homes for Oxford City Council, through its housing company, OX Place.

Contemporarily designed, these energy-efficient homes include one, two and three-bedroom apartments centred around a publicly accessible park, alongside desirable three, four and five-bedroom houses, many with views over the canal.

The new homes sit within easy reach of the new amenities being created in Oxford North, which includes new workspaces for start-ups to global companies, a cafe, a two acre public park and in the future, a hotel and a nursery.

Oxford North’s 64-acre masterplan, led by Thomas White Oxford, will transform the area into a dynamic hub for science and technology. Alongside new homes, the district will deliver world-class research space, parks and community amenities, creating a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood and generating an estimated 4,500 new jobs to the local area.

Ideally located just off the A40 and close to Oxford Parkway station, Oxford North is laying the foundation for improved infrastructure, sustainable transport and economic development in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. Its construction phase is already bringing local economic benefits including employment opportunities with 40 apprentices employed across the masterplan project since construction began.

L-R Caroline Green, Chief Executive, Oxford City Council; Ryan Harris, Regional Director, The Hill Group; Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook; Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council; Greg Hill, Deputy Chief Executive, The Hill Group

During his visit, Matthew Pennycook MP met apprentices, Jamie Conway and Charlie McPhee, who are currently training through The Hill Group at Canalside, and Finley Grady, an apprentice with subcontractor T&D Electrical.

The visit, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week 2025, highlighted the government's commitment to apprenticeships in construction, a key priority in addressing skills shortages and boosting economic growth. A new government announcement is set to give employers greater flexibility around apprenticeship requirements, potentially allowing 10,000 more people to qualify each year.

Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook said: “It was a real pleasure to visit the Canalside Quarter development and to see the contribution it will make to the emerging Oxford North innovation district. The government is backing housebuilders like The Hill Group to deliver more well-designed, sustainable, and attractive places for people to live and to expand and upskill our construction workforce as they do so. Through our Plan for Change we are accelerating the delivery of large housing sites across the country, as part of our efforts to build 1.5 million new homes and kickstart economic growth.”

Greg Hill, deputy chief executive, The Hill Group, commented: "We are proud to show the Housing and Planning Minister the first homes at Oxford North, a landmark project that will help unlock future development in the region. This transformative district has the potential to play a crucial role in supporting the government’s vision for the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor - by delivering high-quality homes alongside world-class research facilities and vital infrastructure.

"The Hill Group is perfectly placed to help support the government reach its ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes during this parliament. We are excited about the opportunities with the new towns programme which will help to build thousands of new homes and hope to work together to deliver more transformative projects across the country that will revolutionise how communities live, work and interact with each other.”

William Donger, chief executive officer, Thomas White Oxford, added: “It was a pleasure to meet the Minister at Oxford North as he visited the new Canalside Quarter, developed in partnership with The Hill Group. Oxford City Council envisioned this area as a purposefully designed place aimed at fostering the next century of transformative advancements in science and technology.

"Our commitment to placemaking includes integrating laboratories, workspaces and new homes alongside vital amenities such as a café, public parks, market square, and playground for children, all while promoting sustainable transport solutions. Together, we are establishing a dynamic new location for Oxford that not only enhances local employment in construction but also creates innovation jobs throughout the operational phase, thereby supporting the growth corridor between Oxford and Cambridge.”

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "Oxford urgently needs more high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing, and developments like Canalside Quarter are crucial to addressing this challenge. We are pleased to see the first homes at Oxford North taking shape, including 111 affordable homes for our residents, delivered through our wholly owned housing company OX Place.

"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when councils and developers work together to create homes, jobs, and opportunities for our communities. The inclusion of apprenticeships and skills development also ensures that the benefits of this project extend beyond housing, supporting the wider economy and future workforce."

Apprentice Charlie McPhee, a trainee site manager, began his career as a labourer in Witney before moving into bricklaying. Now enrolled in The Hill Group’s Management Trainee programme, he balances four days on-site with one day at university studying towards a degree-level qualification. Reflecting on his experience, he said: "I would encourage more people to look into construction. There is so much development going on in Oxfordshire and it's a great career and good pay."

Canalside Quarter builds on The Hill Group’s strong reputation for creating vibrant communities in Oxford, following its successful developments, Mosaics at Barton Park and Newman Place in Littlemore. The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, exceeding Oxford City Council’s progressive environmental targets. Energy-saving features include air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and living green roofs.

As part of the wider Oxford North neighbourhood, Canalside Quarter will integrate extensive green spaces, a landscaped communal park and play areas. The development will also deliver key infrastructure improvements, promoting sustainable transport by foot, bike and bus connectivity. A network of pedestrian and cycle paths will encourage active lifestyles while enhancing accessibility across the development.

Find out more about Oxford North's new homes.