AN arts charity has been given a boost after being handed temporary accommodation at one of Bicester’s oldest schools, putting plans for a restaurant and housing on hold.

The former St Edburg’s School school is in line for redevelopment, with a proposal for 10 new homes and a restaurant but planning approval is yet to be granted.

Developers U+I and Adalta Real withdrew an application in October last year to rethink their proposals but in the meantime they have announced they are handing over the keys to the OYAP Trust.

U+I development director, Matt Sampson, said: “We know the old school building is dear to many local people and are delighted that it is being brought back into use and once again benefitting the community.

“U+I and Adalta Real have already allocated £5,000 of funding to OYAP for essential repairs to the building and look forward to seeing how the trust settles in.”

Repairs and renovations were undertaken at the Victorian school building in a one-day challenge to create the new space, called ‘StudioO2’.

Members of OYAP Trust, U+I and Adalta Real, and Kier – developers of the new NW Bicester eco-centre – took on the challenge.

Cherwell district councillors were also enlisted to help paint, repair and redecorate using paint donated by PPG Architectural Coatings and equipment donated by Jewsons.

OYAP Trust’s director Helen Le Brocq said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to build a new space for arts and culture in Bicester.

“The 'manifesto for culture' that the young people of Bicester presented last year asks for more space to engage in creative activity and more opportunities to take part – and we will continue to develop OYAP’s brand of irresistible youth-led activities, youth theatre, and rock school.

“We will be working hard to create a space where there is something for everyone, including a museum space, artists’ studios, an exhibition gallery and a new studio theatre space.”

The new space replaces the charity’s former base at The Studio in Bicester, Crown Walk.

Ben Ramsay, Kier Construction Central operations director, added: “When we heard OYAP was moving into new premises that needed decorating, we were more than happy to provide a helping hand.

"The charity provides a vital service to young people across Oxfordshire and their new facility will help them to build on that further.

“We’re extremely passionate about leaving a positive legacy for the communities we work in and the team have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of decorating the centre.”

There are no details for when a new planning application for the school may be submitted.