A STALEMATE over the redevelopment of Summertown appears to have come to an end and construction work could start in two years.

The Diamond Place scheme, to build housing, shops, a community hub and health centre, had stalled while Oxford University searched for alternative accommodation for its exam hall, Ewert House.

The North Oxford community centre’s omission from a city council plan up to 2020 led to fears the project could be many years away.

But University bosses have revealed they have found a solution and that there could be ‘spades in the ground’ in the next two years.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for planning, Professor William James said: “Ewert House is used for a variety of things and for a long time we found it hard to get out of there because we have not been able to complete the big development down at the Iffley Road sports centre.

“Phase one is coming along but will not be ready as early as anticipated but estates and management have found different ways to provide temporary accommodation for examinations elsewhere.”

Mr James said the University could fully commit to the development, once the alternative arrangements were implemented in 18 months and spades could hit the ground six months later.

The site could be jointly developed by Oxford City Council and Oxford University.

In a blueprint for the development, published in 2015, Oxford City Council revealed the site should be a mix of housing and shops, with an enlarged Ferry Leisure Centre, GP practice and community centre.

But progress on the scheme has stalled in recent years while the University struggled to move out of Ewert House, which it uses for its Department for Continuing Education.

City councillor for the area, Andrew Gant said the development was a great opportunity.

He said: “It’s potentially very good news and the development is a significant opportunity to create something great for people in North Oxford.

“We have to get the balance of retail right, there are several empty units in Summertown at the moment which is unusual, and improving transport is absolutely vital, as is providing more affordable housing in the area.”