ONLY one in 10 business bosses would choose to base their operation in Oxford, according to a new survey.

Traffic congestion, roadworks and lack of modern office buildings were making the city centre the county’s least desirable location, business leaders claimed.

Business chiefs who took part in the survey for the Oxford Mail’s sister paper, The Oxford Times, carried out by law firm Withy King, recruitment consultants Allen Associates and commercial property firm Meeson Williams Phillips, said they would prefer out-of-town or village locations.

One even said they avoided working with Oxford-based businesses if it meant travelling into the city.

But civic leaders said the city was going through a transition period and prospects were good for attracting new companies.

The findings were revealed in the latest quarterly Business Baromoter Oxfordshire survey of businessmen in the county.

Tim Reid, of Withy King, said: “It was interesting but perhaps unsurprising that three out of every four business decision-makers surveyed thought the city centre was in danger of becoming a ‘dead zone’ for general business.”

The survey found 42 per cent of respondents would prefer a village or market town location, 24 per cent a business or science park and 24 per cent would choose to be located at Kidlington, Botley or close to Oxford ring road.

Peter Smith, president of Oxford Chamber of Commerce, said: “The congestion issues are well publicised and with the housing crisis, commuting distances are becoming greater.”

Frank Nigriello, chairman of Oxfordshire Business First, said much of the city centre resembles a building site but there could be light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “There is a massive amount of change in the city. It is very challenging for businesses when there is extensive development with building works impacting on traffic, parking and how the city looks.

“But the prospects are good if all the work delivers what we are promised.”

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said: “We know that there is a serious dearth of office accommodation in the city centre of an appropriate quality and size. The redevelopment of Oxpens and the railway station site are aiming to address this shortage.”

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Board said schemes such as Frideswide Square and improved rail links to London would see the city becoming more attractive to businesses.

Delays

  • A420 Cumnor Bypass: Eight weeks of roadworks to tackle subsidence has closed the westbound carriageway and caused gridlock across the city.
  • Frideswide Square, Oxford: Work on remodelling Frideswide Square has led to the fencing off of a central area outside Oxford railway station and is due to continue until December.
  • The Plain roundabout, Oxford: Road closures and diversions were in place during t improvement work to make the busy accident blackspot junction safer for cyclists.
  • London Road: Drivers faced queues when resurfacing and road widening work was carried out.
  • Kennington Roundabout: A contraflow was in place during redesign work.