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\n Common Ground caf\u00e9 in Little Clarendon Street combines a caf\u00e9, a comedy club, a second-hand bookshop, a record shop and other activities.\n<\/p>\n
\n In recent years, it has become an important part of the city’s social fabric and supported the local arts community by holding regular events such as exhibitions, writing circles, comedy clubs, poetry nights and live music events.\n<\/p>\n
\n The venue is popular with students and residents who are hoping it will soon return, even though its long-term future is under threat as Oxford University wants to redevelop the block where it is based.\n<\/p>\n
\n Following staff changes, the venue closed suddenly in June and has now reopened.\n<\/p>\n
\n READ MORE: Botley Road announcement for rail station passengers\n<\/p>\n
\n Common Ground cafe has reopened in Little Clarendon Street in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)\n<\/p>\n
\n Manager, Alex Chesters said: “We reopened last week and we are delighted to be back.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It’s great to see our customers again.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Jericho Comedy nights have started up again at Common Ground, after switching to other venues during the temporary closure.\n<\/p>\n
\n In June, owner Eddie Whittingham issued a statement saying he had left, and a notice was posted at the entrance saying: “We are temporarily closed. Hoping to be back in July – fingers crossed. We will miss you all in the meantime.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Whittingham told Common Ground customers: “It\u2019s the end of an era. After four-and-a-half years, it\u2019s time for me to move on. As of June 9, Common Ground has temporarily closed its doors.\n<\/p>\n
\n “However, I\u2019m delighted to share that Common Ground will open its doors to the community once again in the summer under new ownership.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Alex (our ops manager) and Chris (Flow Records) are teaming up to keep the community spirit alive and bring a new exciting future for Common Ground.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n “We had planned to make this transition as smooth as possible and not close at all, but life has thrown a few curveballs, and we\u2019ll need some time to figure out exactly what comes next.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Inside Common Ground cafe (Image: Andy Ffrench)\n<\/p>\n
\n It is understood that Common Ground has a lease which runs until June but after that its future may be uncertain.\n<\/p>\n
\n Earlier this year, Oxford University revealed details about its plans to redevelopment the Wellington Square area.\n<\/p>\n
\n Former graduate housing on the corner of Little Clarendon Street will be demolished and replaced with a modern academic, teaching and office space across three and partly four storeys.\n<\/p>\n
\n The ground floor of the building will also provide retail units, including a caf\u00e9 on the corner of Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street.\n<\/p>\n
\n The western terrace at 32-42 Wellington Square will be retained but refurbished and turned into 100 ‘high quality’ graduate rooms of mixed sizes, replacing the vacant graduate housing next to it.\n<\/p>\n
\n The plans were submitted by Oxford University Development (OUD), a joint venture between Oxford University and financial services group L&G.\n<\/p>\n
\n They say the plans will deliver \u201csignificant community benefits\u201d for residents, students and visitors.\n<\/p>\n
\n If Oxford University does get the go-ahead for its redevelopment plans, Common Ground would have to close, and could then move back into the newly provided retail space at a later date – or seek an alternative venue.\n<\/p>\n
#Community #cafe #city #reopens #sudden #closure<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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