Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

The Radcliffe Observatory Quarter is one of the most significant development projects the University of Oxford has undertaken for more than a century.

The 18th century Radcliffe Observatory reflected in the glass of the new Mathematical Institute - photographer: Stephane Farenga

This 10-acre site in central Oxford, bound by the Woodstock Road, Somerville College, Walton Street, Observatory Street, and Green Templeton College, is the last remaining large plot of land available for development in the historic heart of the city.

The refurbishment of the old Radcliffe Infirmary, known as Radcliffe Humanities, has been completed and is now occupied by the Humanities Divisional Office, the Faculty of Philosophy and the Philosophy and Theology Libraries. The new Triton statue in the courtyard in front of Radcliffe Humanities was unveiled in October 2012.

New Radcliffe House was formally opened in July 2012 and accommodates three GP surgeries, the University's Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, and members of staff from Oxford University Press.

The new Mathematical Institute will be completed in August 2013. 

The Blavatnik School of Government will be built in the south west corner of the site opposite Oxford University Press. The School will be operational in the late summer of 2015.

The first buildings to open on the site were new accommodation blocks at Somerville College, which opened in September 2011.

The Masterplan for the site was agreed following consultation within the collegiate University and the local community, as well as with interest groups and statutory bodies such as English Heritage.

You can follow progress on site via our photo slide show and the drawings of our artist in residence.