Oxford University applies for Park Hospital planning

15 August 2012

Oxford University has submitted an outline planning application for the Park Hospital site this week, after agreeing to buy the site from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The University plans to incorporate the site with its neighbouring Old Road Campus and erect an additional five buildings on the combined site, including an amenities building. The building would take place over a long period of at least 30 years and the children’s hospital building will continue to be occupied by Oxford Health NHS FT on a 20 year lease.

Professor Rodney Phillips of Oxford University’s Medical Sciences Division said: ‘The site offers great prospects for expanding the University’s world leading medical research but, just as importantly, we expect it to greatly benefit local people. 

‘Patients at the nearby hospitals will have first access to clinical trials and new drugs and they will be treated by world-leading medical researchers. The benefits of having a world-class medical research facility within walking distance of the Churchill Hospital, the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and the John Radcliffe Hospital will be felt by many people.

He added: ‘Jobs will be created in the construction and staffing of the buildings and we have designed an amenities building to cater for needs of staff and local residents, including a cash point, a restaurant and possibly a childcare facility.

‘The site will be beautifully landscaped and retain its park-like ambience with plenty of trees and greenery and a public pathway running across the site.’

Oxford University Estates Directorate said consultation had been constructive and the discussions have even prompted changes to the building’s original designs. Mike Wigg, head of capital projects at the Estates Directorate, said: ‘After listening to residents and other interested parties, we have reduced the proposed height of one of the buildings

‘We will continue our thorough process of consultation up until the day the proposal is considered by the City Council’s planning committee.’

For more information please contact Matt Pickles in the press office on 01865 270046 or matt.pickles@admin.ox.ac.uk