The environment
The built environment
The University of Oxford’s estate comprises 239 buildings, providing more than 600,000m2 of space – or more than 80 football pitches.
Its buildings include the historic Divinity School, built in 1424, and a significant portfolio of state-of-the-art architecture such as the Andrew Wiles Building (the Mathematical Institute) and the Blavatnik School of Government within the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter.
A further 153 properties in and around Oxford are managed commercially, including accommodation for graduate students, offices, warehouses and land – such as the 1,000 acres of Wytham Woods.
Strategy and investment
The University’s Estate Strategy is a forward-thinking vision which takes a modern approach to multi-disciplinary thinking and working. Around £100 million per year is spent on capital projects and £2 billion will be invested in the estate over the next 10 years so that the University can continue to deliver its core aim of offering world-leading teaching and research in world-class buildings and facilities.
Community consultation
The University is mindful of its responsibility towards the local community in ensuring that it is informed, consulted and involved where buildings and planning are concerned.
A strategy to deliver a best-practice approach has been developed comprising briefings and public consultation events so that neighbours, community leaders and interest groups have the opportunity, at an early stage, to view proposals and speak to the design team, consultants and University representatives. Their feedback is then taken into account before any planning application is submitted.
Recently the University has been invited to become a Client Partner of the prestigious Considerate Constructors’ Scheme. As a member, the University must abide by the Code of Considerate Practice covering five key areas, including respect for the local community.
The University is the largest employer in the county and therefore has a significant stake in the transport infrastructure, both in terms of commuting and business travel within the city.