Univ North foundation slabs and upstands for the two Water Court Buildings

“What an incredible year it has been – from our first foothold on the Univ North site, to a fantastically active, busy building site, which you can see today. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and continued commitment to Univ North, and to all our Old Members who have been and continue to be most generous supporters.”
Andrew Grant, Finance Bursar and Project Director, University College, Oxford

2023 began with the important process of our selected construction contractors preparing the site and then beginning demolition. Please read more about it in the latest Univ North News.

Univ North groundbreaking ceremony

Towards the end of Spring, we were able to celebrate a very important milestone and held our groundbreaking event. Baroness Valerie Amos LG, Master, led proceedings with a short ceremony to mark the occasion and a wonderful photo opportunity was possible with all hands-on shovels!

By summer we were well underway with foundations and drainage for the new buildings, including Water Courts East and West, Banbury Road Villa, Walnut Lawn Villa and Woodstock Pavilion. In addition, work had begun for the new nursery, which will offer 54 much sought-after nursery places to University of Oxford staff and students.

Detail from the mural by Layla Cope

Then in the middle of summer and the school holidays, a local artist, Layla Cope visited the Fairfield Residential Home, on the Univ North site. Working with residents and staff, she painted a beautiful mural, which depicts a senior couple arm-in-arm with herons and robins in front of a lake lined by trees, poppies, and sunflowers. It really is something to behold!

In October a significant moment was marked with the signing of the major construction contract to deliver our Univ North accommodation scheme with SDC Builders Ltd. This contract enacted the approved masterplan for the scheme with five new, energy-efficient buildings, the renovation of two existing buildings and the rejuvenation of heritage orchards.

As this year draws to a close, we are looking forward to the continued success of Univ North’s development and we will follow its construction closely. We will be sharing more updates as we go.

Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year from all the Univ North team.

Published: 21 December 2023

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