Tom Beardmore-Gray (1980, History), Greg Birdseye (1965, Physics), Jonathan Bowen (1974, Engineering), Andrew Dow (1964, Theology), Tony Lurcock (1962, English), Stuart Taylor (1980, Chemistry, Medicine)

On 3 December, we hosted the second of our Univ North tours. It was led by Andrew Grant, Finance Bursar and Martha Cass, Senior Development Executive, this time around, and focused on project planning and implementation.

Andrew gave the opening presentation after introductions were made over lunch in Redcliffe-Maud house. This involved walking the guests through the extensive planning process and some of the challenges he and his team had faced along the way. Not to mention having to work on such an ambitious project through a pandemic.

Martha was on hand to provide some of the backstory to the Stavertonia site. She explained how philanthropy had played an enormous role in the original project and why it was still exceptionally important for this new one. Attendees expressed a keen interest in some of the existing buildings – Old Members always have their own stories to tell from the years that they spent living there. At one point, there was even a debate on whether the correct abbreviation of Stavertonia was “Stavs” or “Stavers”.

The group moved across the site, stopping several times to hear Andrew relate some of his earlier points highlighted over the model to the physical space, particularly the existing structures and landscape. From buildings fitting around old trees to replanting orchards to the shapes of rooves and drainage systems, Andrew talked the group through a host of different decisions and planning processes.

Here is what some of the OMs on the tour had to say:

“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)

“…first a helpful explanation of the beautiful model of the whole site, followed by a most informative and interesting tour. It will be great to see the whole project come to fruition in the next two or three years!” Andrew Dow (1964, Theology)

“I lived at Greenwood for a couple of years back in the 80s so it was great to visit Stavers again after such a long time; it brought back many happy memories. The plans for Univ North are impressive indeed and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape over the next couple of years. Many congrats to all involved in bringing this to life.” Stuart Taylor (1980, Chemistry)

Do join us for our next tour of the Univ North site on 4 February 2022. Sarah Harper, Supernumerary Fellow in Gerontology, Professor of Gerontology, and Co-Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, will be joined by Alina Nuta (2018, PPE), Donor Relations Officer, to give the tour and focus on the intergenerational aspect of the development.

Find out more about our previous and upcoming Univ North tours.

Read more about the College’s vision for a second community on the Univ North microsite.

Published: 14 January 2022

Explore Univ on social media