Construction begins on Somerville accommodation in ROQ

University 12 Aug 10 Dame Fiona Caldicott, Principal of Somerville College, and Mrs Catherine Hughes, her predecessor as Principal, break the ground on the ROQ site A ground-breaking ceremony was held at Oxford University's Radcliffe Observatory Quarter (ROQ) yesterday, as construction on the new accommodation building for Somerville College got underway. The ceremony was attended by key benefactors, members of Somerville's governing body including Principal Dame Fiona Caldicott and other relevant people. The new accommodation blocks will hold 68 en-suite bedrooms for students of the college, and are scheduled for completion in September 2011. Dame Fiona Caldicott, Principal of Somerville College said: 'The new Somerville buildings will be at the centre of the University, providing first class facilities for students. 'It's a really important development for the College, benefiting our students as well as helping to secure our future financially. 'It also means that we will have a magnificent view of the Radcliffe Observatory from Somerville's Quad.' Niall McLaughlin, architect of the Somerville building, said: 'The important thing about this building, more than anything else, is that it's going to open Somerville College out, to what will be a very important new part of the City of Oxford, and it's going to put Somerville College effectively at the centre.