02 Feb 07

The Radcliffe Infirmary site has been handed over to Oxford University. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood, received the keys from the Chief Executive of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Trevor Campbell Davis.

The University purchased the freehold of the 10.5 acre Radcliffe Infirmary site from the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trustin March 2003.

Dr Hood said: 'This is a historic moment both for the University and the city of Oxford. We are excited to take over this important location at the heart of the city, and to be able to develop it to the benefit of the University and the city.

'It will allow us to develop new research centres and consolidate a number of existing teaching and research facilities in line with our plans over the next 20 years.'

Mr Campbell Davis said: 'The Radcliffe Infirmary has been at the heart of medical excellence and research in Oxford for centuries. We are pleased to be able to pass the historical importance of this building to the University, who will continue to use it to benefit the community of Oxford.'

The University is currently working on a masterplan, which will set out an overall structure to develop the site. It will ensure that all parts, once complete, will relate to each other in a coherent fashion, avoiding piecemeal development.

The masterplan puts particular emphasis on the relationship of the historic buildings and the surrounding neighbourhood and environment. It seeks to enhance the setting of all important listed buildings by opening up the site as a whole, creating new sight lines and through roads for pedestrians and cyclists.

Public consultation on the masterplan, which is yet to be finally approved by the University's Council, is due to take place in spring.

Part of the Radcliffe Infirmary site will be used for a modern, purpose-built health centre, funded and constructed by the University. The University will lease the building to the Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) over 25 years.