The aim of this book is to provide an extended vision of how Oxford and its region might develop in the next few decades drawn from a variety of informed viewpoints. The Oxford Civic Society is only too conscious of the ever-growing pressures for development and change which seem to press more and more urgently on the City and its environs; and the Society struggles to prevent this unique City from being overwhelmed. But a series of ad hoc defensive campaigns is not enough. The members have increasingly felt that what is needed is a long-term positive vision of how Oxford ought to develop in all its aspects in the coming years. This involves not only safeguarding and treasuring its existing assets, which are manifold, but also considering positively how future development might be guided and channelled.

The contributors to this book have been chosen for their knowledge, expertise and far-sightedness, and collectively they cover a wide range of issues and ideas. Each has been invited to express his or her vision and naturally they do not always agree, which is what should be expected in a book exploring new approaches. The book seeks to stimulate the widest possible discussion of the many problems — and opportunities — which the City faces. We hope that the ideas and visions in the book may prove useful as well as stimulating and enjoyable.

Remainder copies are available (1) by mail order for £7.50 which includes p&p - please send your cheque made out to "Oxford Civic Society" to Visions, 67 Cunliffe Close, OX2 7BJ with your name, address and telephone number"or (2) from Blackwell’s Book Shop, Broad Street

Visions for Oxford: List of Chapters

Foreword

(Anthony Smith)

Introduction

• Reasons for the Book (The Editors)
• An Overview of Development in Oxford since 1945 (Mark Barrington-Ward)

Part One: Visions for the City's Life

The Economy of the City and its Region

•  Questioning the Growth Assumption (Mike Woodin)
• The Era of the Oxfordshire High-Tech Economy (Helen Lawton Smith)
• Wider Economic Linkages (Sir Martin Wood)
• A Good Shopping City (Moyra Haynes)

Education and Research

• Future of Oxford University (Sir Colin Lucas)
• Future of Oxford Brookes University (Graham Upton)
• Life in 2033 (Lucy Tennyson)
• Medical Research in Oxford (Sir David Weatherall)

Culture and Recreation

• A City of Culture (Paul Langford)
• Whose Museums are they? (Keith Thomson)
• A Regional Centre and the Role of the Public Services (Martyn Brown)
• A Gallery for Local Artists (Christine Burgess)
• Celebration of a Restored Canal Basin (Mark Davies)
• Sporting Dreams (John Chipperfield)

Community

• A Vision for Community Choice (Clare Symonds and Charles Parrack)
• Home Start (Rosalind Lacey)
• A View from Blackbird Leys (Kate Miller)

Part Two: Designing a Better City

• An Improved Townscape (Edmund Gray)
• A Civilised City Quarter (Roger Evans)
• Oxford Castle Site (Debbie Dance)
• A New Cultural Centre (Alan Russell)
• An Uncluttered City (Maureen Christian)
• Restoring Oxford's Image (Jeremy Mogford)
• A Better Transport System (Michel Treisman)
• A Future for Oxford's Glorious Past (Marcus Lapthom)
• A Green and Pleasant City (John Thompson)
• A City of Wildlife (Priscilla Waugh)

Part Three: Some Forecasts

• Population Change (David Coleman)
• The Future of Transport (John Preston)

Epilogue

• An Exciting City (Edwin Townsend-Coles)