Oxfordshire County Council to move out of County Hall

The move is part of the council’s wider plans to improve office space across the county and support more flexible ways of working.

Midland House in Botley has been chosen as a temporary base while longer-term changes take place, including plans to turn County Hall into a hotel and open a new, permanent office at Speedwell House in spring 2028.

Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for finance, property and transformation, said: “We are looking forward in coming times to seeing Speedwell House taking shape as a new net zero office in 2028 as well as watching County Hall change and then thrive in its new guise as a hotel.

“The sale of County Hall is providing the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House.”

He said the closure of County Hall is expected in late 2026, with the nearby Midland House, located on West Way, offering ‘practical, well-equipped’ office space.

Mr Levy said: “Our existing offices throughout the county will provide bases for our teams and these will now be supplemented by the excellent and ideally located Midland House.

“These are solid plans from which our officers can continue to provide excellent services to the people of Oxfordshire.”

Midland House’s transport links, including proximity to Seacourt Park and Ride, contributed to its selection as a temporary office location.

Contracts for the sale of County Hall were exchanged in late 2025, with L&G commissioning developers Reef Origin for the site’s redevelopment.