Plans for New Oxford University graduate accommodation in the city centre
Christ Church College has applied to change the Faculty of Music at St Aldate’s into a graduate centre including 62 self-contained ensuite studio flats and communal spaces.
New Oxford University graduate accommodation could be built in the city centre after plans were lodged.
Christ Church College has applied to change the Faculty of Music at St Aldate’s into a graduate centre including 62 self-contained ensuite studio flats and communal spaces.
The planning statement says the college “has long recognised the pressing need for more dedicated graduate housing in central Oxford”.
It adds the plans would “provide graduate students with an alternative to private rented accommodation within the city” which would “free up general housing stock in the city for others in housing need”.
The rooms would be between 18 and 20 sq ft, and the accommodation building would be extended to allow for more floor space.
The Faculty of Music is being relocated to the Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for Humanities, which lies at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter in Jericho, in autumn 2025.
The existing Denis Arnold Hall and music practice rooms to the rear of the site will remain and will continue to be used by members of the college, cathedral and faculty members.
The site was allocated in the city council’s local plan in 2020, which notes: “The site is situated on St Aldate’s and is unlikely to be suitable for uses that require parking or generate much traffic.
“Continuing the academic use of the site would be most appropriate and the incorporation of some student accommodation in this city centre site would be suitable.”