The Univ North development, which will create a visionary landscape-driven multigenerational community in a beautiful North Oxford setting, has been shortlisted in the Project Category for the Housing Design Awards 2022.

A new collegiate community will be complementary to the main University College Oxford (Univ) campus on the High Street. Univ North will offer an inspired living, study and socialising space for a mix of Univ students and fellows.

Andrew Grant, Univ’s Finance Bursar, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious Housing Design Awards. Our Univ North scheme can only be realised thanks to the dedication, hard work and commitment of our team at University College Oxford, our partners with whom we’re working on the project, our excellent architect and landscape designer, and of course, our wonderful Old Members and friends.”

Univ North will provide additional accommodation comprising 150 ensuite study bedrooms, a nursery with outdoor space for up to 54 children, café, gym, and study, meeting, and lecture spaces, the site also includes the existing Fairfield Residential Home. The new collegiate community in North Oxford will benefit from exceptional landscaped gardens, rejuvenated historical orchards and an environment focused on wellbeing, sustainability and shared purpose.

“…Univ North will be a fantastic addition to the College and I’m very excited to see it start to become reality.” Sam Williamson, current student, JCR President (2020, Engineering)

Univ is currently in the pre-qualification stage with five contractors with evaluation taking place during April and May and the selection due to be finalised in the summer 2022. Demolition of the site will commence in the autumn 2022, and the building work is due to commence in the spring 2023. Four thematic tours – Nursery, Project Planning, Intergenerational Living and the History of Stavertonia, have been organised on-site so far, with a mix of Old Members, local residents, students and staff members, and other people interested in the development attending.

“…The plans for Univ North are impressive indeed and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape over the next couple of years.” Stuart Taylor (1980, Chemistry)

“This is an ambitious project, but it will undoubtedly be transformative to the offering for Univ students for many generations to come.” Tom Beardmore-Gray (1980, History)

About the Awards
The Housing Design Award’s original purpose was to explain what residents think about innovative design and whether it can be replicated. It is the only Awards promoted by all five major professional institutions – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Landscape Institute and Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. A panel of industry experts, government officials and enthusiasts will make the final section. Winners will be announced in July 2022. Read more about the shortlist 2022 here.

About the Univ North Development
Univ North development project was designed by Stirling Prize Shortlisted architect Niall McLaughlin and celebrated landscape designer Kim Wilkie, planning permission was granted in 2020. Read more about the development on the Univ North microsite and for more information about donating to the Univ North development project please contact development@univ.ox.ac.uk.

Published: 5 April 2022

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