Council moves into new headquarters at shopping centre

The former BHS and Gap shop units at Castle Quay have been converted to become the council’s new home.

Its new address is 39 Castle Quay, Banbury, OX16 5FD.

The council started exploring options for a relocation in the summer of 2023 and agreed to the move in November 2023.

A report presented to the executive in the same year showed the move would allow the council to establish new headquarters in “a smaller, more modern and energy-efficient space”.

It was claimed the move would support the council’s wider ambition to regenerate the town centre and would increase footfall to local businesses.

Castle Quay in Banbury (Image: NQ) Councillor David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Our new headquarters have been carefully designed to meet the future needs of a modern, forward-thinking council, with running costs and environmental impact greatly reduced as a result.”

The new headquarters include customer services for residents and a council chamber for public meetings.

The customer service team will continue to operate an appointment-only system for residents needing in-person support.

People are encouraged to make an appointment in advance to ensure the right member of staff is available for their specific enquiry.

People without an appointment may be directed to the self-service phones or computers to manage their enquiry.