Planning permission granted for Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

Planning permission has been granted by Oxford City Council for two of the most significant buildings on Oxford University's Radcliffe Observatory Quarter (ROQ) - one of the biggest development projects the University has undertaken for more than a century. The new buildings - a Mathematical Institute building, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, and a Humanities Building and Library, designed by Bennetts Associates - will provide cutting-edge research and teaching facilities and, in both subject areas, bring together in one place a number of centres and faculties that are currently scattered around the city. The ROQ is a 10-acre site in central Oxford, bound by the Woodstock Road, Somerville College, Walton Street, Observatory Street, and Green Templeton College, and will accommodate new teaching and learning space for the University over the next 20 years. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) and Chair of the ROQ Board, Professor Anthony Monaco, said: 'The University is delighted that planning permission has been granted for these two new buildings. 'These projects form the core of our vision for this site, offering state-of-the-art facilities for research and teaching that will greatly benefit faculty and students. The fantastic designs by both architects provide new avenues through the site, exciting gardens and squares, all with views of the Radcliffe Observatory. Rafael Viñoly Architects' new Mathematical Institute building will be the main workplace for more than 500 academics and support staff, as well as the centre for the academic life of approximately 1,000 undergraduates and a diverse community of college research fellows and lecturers.