Plans to turn former jewellers into ice cream shop in Oxford
The plans were submitted on behalf of Aromi Caffe Ltd, a Sicilian eatery
Last updated 9th Apr 2025
A former jewellers shop that has been empty for months could be turned into a gelato-ice cream shop in the middle of Oxford’s historic centre.
The building on 4 Turl Street was previously occupied by the jewellers David Roger Sharp, but the business closed in June 2024.
It lies directly opposite Lincoln College Library, alongside Walters of Oxford, Missing Bean, the Oxford Wine Company and The Mitre Hotel, within the Oxford Central Conservation Area.
A change of use application for internal alterations of the ground and basement levels of the building was submitted by agents Zeki Interiors to Oxford City Council.
The planning documents say the proposal “will be beneficial to the building, the vitality of the city centre and other commercial businesses on Turl Street and the considerable heritage assets in this part of Oxford”.
The plans submitted on behalf of Aromi Caffe Ltd, a Sicilian eatery which currently has three eat-in and takeaway shops in Cambridge.
Two of the Aromi shops serve pizzas and allow customers to dine-in, while the remaining shop sells gelato ice cream and pasta to take away.
The works to the existing floors would include fitting out the basement area to provide storage and staff facilities, repairing and decorating the windows to the rear courtyard, installing a new service counters and stripping out the existing display counters.
The consultation will close on May 2, and the deadline for a decision is May 20.