Oxford University colleges are being urged to put money into a scheme to transform the city centre.
Oxford city centre management company, OX1, wants colleges to make a bigger contribution to its campaign to turn Oxford into a Business Improvement District (Bid).
OX1's chief executive Oliver O'Dell has written to all college bursars asking for financial support. The colleges currently contribute on average about £200 a year towards the city centre management company.
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OX1 now wants them, like other business ratepayers, to pay a 1.5 per cent levy on their rateable value which would bring in a total of more than £45,000 towards running a Business Improvement District.
If approved, a Bid would provide almost £1m a year of extra revenue, which could boost street cleaning and waste management. Mr O'Dell said: "The colleges have played a significant role in the development of this city for hundreds of years and we believe they have a vital role to play now.
"Visitors, students and employees have a great deal to gain from the Oxford Bid. Together, we can banish the town and gown divide once and for all."
Oriel College bursar Wilf Stephenson, the colleges' representative on the OX1 board, said: "Each college will have to consider the merits of Bid when the detailed proposals are put before us. Whatever the position of colleges, we will be significant contributors through our tenants."
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