Public consultation: presentation of proposals for the basement access lift at the Radcliffe Science Library, Parks Road, Oxford

The University of Oxford is holding a public consultation where proposals for a new lift to serve the existing basement beneath the Radcliffe Science Library courtyard will be displayed.

The existing basement has been in position since the 1970s and currently can only be accessed via staircases and a single small lift which are located within the Science Library building itself.

The basement space has become available following the refurbishment of the Weston Library and the opening of the Swindon Book Repository. The University intends to repurpose this space for use as part of the University Museums. At present, storage for the Museums is spread across a number of sites and the use of the space within the existing basement of the library would consolidate a large part of this.

The provision of a lift and its location has been carefully considered given the sensitive, historic nature of the immediate surroundings. Specialist heritage consultants Purcell have carried out appropriate assessments of the development and design of the proposed lift in discussion with Oxford City Council and Historic England. 

Members of the University and the design team will be available to answer any queries you may have. A hardcopy feedback form will be available at the consultation sessions and an online version will follow on the University’s website, together with an electronic version of the display information. The University will review all feedback and will take it into account in progressing the proposals.

If you have any queries regarding the event please email [email protected] .