Local Labour councillors, Labour organisers and Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds have been campaigning for the regeneration of Cowley centre, after locals expressed concerns about its deteriorating appearance.
Non-profit organisation Boundary Brook Community Projects was asked to take on the project and will create art installations inside and outside Templars Square.
The group is engaging with local schoolchildren, and will hold community workshops in January, to get their ideas on what Cowley means to them.
Local artist Lisa Made It will design the murals based on what comes out of the workshops.
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Dawn Weller, who is part of Boundary Brook Community Projects, said the project aims “to make East Oxford a destination for people to come and enjoy the shopping experience”.
She added: “It’s wonderful to be invited to spear head the project.
“It’s going to affect so many local people and shoppers at Templars Square, not only now but in the future.”
(Image: Oxford Labour) Jason Mosley, local Labour campaigner and county council candidate for the Cowley division, said: “We’re determined for the regeneration of Templars Square to be for our community, by our community – and this is an exciting opportunity to breathe life back into the heart of Cowley.
“We would encourage all local residents to get involved with their ideas over the coming weeks and months.”
Charlie Hicks, county councillor representing Cowley, approached them after seeing their murals on Flower Lane and their repainting of telecom boxes across east Oxford.
Mr Hicks, alongside Labour county councillors Liz Brighouse, Trish Elphinstone and Imade Edosomwan, have contributed £5,000 from their community pots for the group to complete the project.
Redevco, the leaseholder for Templars Square, will also provide funding.
It is also considering demolishing the old Nelson pub and creating temporary space for pop-up shops and food outlets, as well as a community space.
She said: “I’ve been raising my concerns with Redevco about the length of time that the Templars Square redevelopment project is taking given residents’ concerns and the deterioration of some areas of the centre and the Nelson Pub site, and I will keep pushing for action.”
Labour is asking Redevco to ensure that better healthcare spaces are provided as part of the regeneration while pressing for all retail spaces to be filled and for increased public transport to Templars Square.
The project will go ahead in January to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of Templars Square.