Replacement for 1970s student block approved

Plans to redevelop former graduate housing into a "high-quality, sustainable" new academic centre have been approved.

The University of Oxford plans to knock-down the existing 1970s-built structure at 25 Wellington Square and replace it with a new 65,000 sq ft space.

The proposals, which were approved by Oxford City Council, also include the refurbishment of nearby Victorian terrace housing.

It is being led by Oxford University Development (OUD), which said the scheme would "breathe new life into this part of Oxford".

The existing structure - built in the 1970s - is currently in "poor condition, expensive to run and not capable of full occupation due to fire safety concerns", the developer said.

Anna Strongman, OUD's chief executive, said the new site would be "a new academic building designed to adapt over time and support the changing needs of the university into the future".

OUD said the new building would create "modern, academic, office and teaching spaces across three and four storeys".

The plans also include new retail space on Little Clarendon Street, with sustainability "central to the project".

The second phase of the scheme will see Wellington Square's Western Terrace refurbished into 99 "high-quality" rooms for graduates.

The developers said these would "help reduce the pressure on private rented housing across the city, while preserving the historic terrace facing the Square".

Alongside the new and redeveloped buildings, the proposals also include "landscape enhancements" around the square - including new trees and planting.

"Wellington Square is the city's only garden square, and these plans provide an opportunity to make it a greener, more welcoming and enjoyable place, while strengthening its connection with Little Clarendon Street and the wider city," Strongman added.