A VACANT building on the canal wharf in North Oxford could be opened up to the community after development plans were delayed.

Wadham College's plans to demolish Aristotle House, in Aristotle Lane, and build a four-storey block of flats were narrowly approved by Oxford City Council in January last year.

But the building has now been leased to MakeSpace - an organisation under the umbrella of The Community Action Group Project - for up to three years.

MakeSpace will transform the two-storey building into a hub for social and creative organisations, with space for offices, workshops, meetings and events as well as retail and a community cafe.

The organisation said it would provide a low cost and subsidised rents.

It has called on community groups, artists and other organisations to come forward and use the space.

Groups will need to demonstrate how their activities serve local needs and add social or environmental value to the area.

They also have to be a social enterprise, community business, co-operative, charity, community or voluntary organisation.

An 'open house' event for prospective tenants to view the building will be held on Wednesday February 21 from 2-5pm.

The deadline for applications is February 25 - email info@makespaceoxford.org for more.