Fishers Vale officially opens in Marston, delivering 40 fully affordable homes

The official opening of Fishers Vale, a new fully affordable housing development in Old Marston, has been marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city councillors, including Linda Smith, Executive Member for Housing and Communities at Oxford City Council.

With the first 50% of homes already handed over, the development begins the delivery of 40 homes on what was previously disused paddock land.

Fishers Vale comprises 26 houses and 14 flats arranged around a central green space. The development combines 21 council homes for social rent with 19 shared ownership homes, providing opportunities for local buyers to take their first step onto the housing ladder while easing pressure on Oxford’s housing register.

The homes are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring all-electric systems, enhanced insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and air source heat pumps, reducing carbon emissions by around 56% compared with national targets. Each property benefits from private outdoor space, secure cycle storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points, with design details inspired by the natural surroundings.

The scheme was delivered in partnership between OX Place, Oxford City Council’s wholly owned housing company, and Lucy Developments. Social rent levels mean tenants pay roughly 40% of what a private landlord would charge for a comparable home, while shared ownership offers a flexible route onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s most expensive cities.

Councillor Linda Smith said: “Today we celebrate the opening of Fishers Vale, a development that brings much-needed, genuinely affordable, homes to our city.

“This is a proud moment for a project that shows what’s possible when we transform underused land into sustainable new places for residents to put down roots. Housing need in Oxford has never been greater and delivering new council houses and flats like these to families on our housing register is our top priority. To those new residents moving in soon, welcome home!”

Roger Thompson, Chief Executive of OX Place, added: “OX Place is proud to have worked with Lucy Developments and the Council to deliver a truly special new community in Fishers Vale. This partnership has created a range of low carbon, high quality, new homes that demonstrate what’s possible when we build with people and the planet in mind.”

Greg Hilton, Head of Lucy Developments, said: “Fishers Vale demonstrates what’s possible when partners share a clear vision to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes for local people. We’re proud to have worked with OX Place to create a development that not only meets housing needs but also provides a welcoming environment where residents can build their futures.”