Council owned developer identified as buyer of Bodicote House site
16/03/2026
The purchase price pays for the Council’s move to Castle Quay
A company owned by Cherwell District Council has been named as the buyer of the council’s Bodicote House site.
The Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) was responsible for the 650 homes built at Graven Hill in Bicester. They will now work to develop the council’s former headquarters site in Bodicote.
The value of the transaction is not being disclosed but a council spokesperson told Banbury FM “it reflects the market value of the site, provides excellent value for the taxpayer, and pays for the Council’s move to Castle Quay”.
Last year GHVDC made nearly £479,000 in profit with Cherwell District Council receiving £0.5m in dividends. The company operates independently from the council.
Bodicote House has been vacant since Cherwell’s move to Castle Quay last year. Initially negotiations to sell the site were undertaken with a different private developer, but they withdrew and so the offer from GHVDC was identified and accepted. The council says this will enable them to retain a positive influence over the site’s future.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of the Council, said: “Our move to Castle Quay has allowed us to establish a modern, energy-efficient headquarters in the centre of Banbury, reducing running costs and improving accessibility for residents. Finding the right buyer for the old Bodicote House site is the next vital step, enabling the site to get a new lease of life that meets Bodicote’s future needs.
“We are delighted to be announcing GHVDC as the buyer of Bodicote House. With a proven track record for quality and innovation, their experienced team is well placed to create an exciting future for this village site, working in partnership with the council and local community to provide suitable and sustainable housing that works for the village and its residents.”
Adrian Unitt, Managing Director of GHVDC, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to bring forwards a vibrant development in Bodicote. The team is looking forward to working closely with Cherwell District Council and the community to bring the site back into productive use, designing an innovative housing development that is sensitive to this characterful village and helps meet local needs at this unique location.”
A detailed planning application will be required before any development or construction can take place. If approved, work on the site could begin next year with the first new homes potentially available in 2028.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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