Oxford Brookes University is making a significant change to its sports facilities, which will impact not only its students and staff but also the local community. The university has announced that it will cease using the Harcourt Hill site at North Hinksey from April 2026, as part of its 'Oxford Campus Vision'. This decision comes as a result of a 'significant' decline in the number of people using the campus site. Consequently, the gym, squash court, and fitness class timetable will no longer be available from April 1st. However, there's a glimmer of hope for the local community. A Harcourt Hill Working Group has been set up, and it has learned that 'active discussions' are taking place with third-party providers for the potential to run the gym, squash court, and exercise classes beyond April 1st. The grass pitches will still be available, and the 3G pitches can be block booked via the university after April. The university has also stated that it will continue to explore options for potential new tenants for the Harcourt Hill site, and it will provide further updates to the North Hinksey Parish Council as the situation develops. Although the teaching and library activities have now vacated Harcourt Hill, the university will continue to utilize the site until at least July 2027. This decision has sparked a debate among the community, as the facilities are not only used by university students and staff but also by people living in the area. The statement added that 'active discussions are taking place with third-party providers for taking on the running of these indoor facilities, which may mean they can continue to be used beyond 1 April 2026'. However, it must be reiterated that this does not include the swimming pool and may not include all of the current activities within the sport centre. From April 2026, the site's grass pitches will continue to be available and the 3G pitches will still be accessible for block bookings via the university. This is not the first time that Oxford Brookes University has made changes to its Harcourt Hill facilities. In October 27 last year, the Harcourt Cafe is no longer operating as a walk-in catering service. And as of the start of the 2025/26 academic year, all remaining teaching and library services moved from Harcourt Hill to the Headington Campus. The future of the Harcourt Hill site remains uncertain, but the university's commitment to exploring options for potential new tenants gives hope that the site will continue to serve the community in some capacity.
