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Univ North Multigenerational Collegiate Community

Securing swift approval for a major redevelopment to benefit students and the community while respecting sensitive heritage context

  • Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

    Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Providing University College Oxford with a sustainable, multigenerational collegiate community

Univ North is a landscape-driven, multigenerational community in North Oxford, built around an existing care home and college accommodation site. The client engaged us as part of the team to provide planning and heritage consulting services.

The challenging site required a careful and considerate approach. Set among historic orchards and gardens, within a Victorian conservation area, plans emphasizing the landscape, ecology, and biodiversity were crucial for the project’s success. The principle of different users and generations coming together also played a vital role, promoting interaction and connectivity between the different types of accommodation and community facilities.

Our team, working closely with the client and architect, secured a planning approval in just 10 months despite these challenges. We achieved this through thorough engagement with the local council and key community stakeholders, who helped shape the proposals and enabled the eventual support for the application.

This expansion represents the largest one by the University College Oxford since the 18th century. Comprised of seven new three-story buildings, alterations to existing buildings, a children’s nursery, and accommodation for undergraduates, postgraduates, and fellows, it is intended to benefit the student experience. This will also reduce pressure on the local housing market.

At a Glance

Offices
Architect
Niall McLaughlin Architects
Awards
Housing Design Awards, Good Neighbour Award Project Winner 2022
Meet Our Team

Nick Paterson-Neild, Planning Director

What motivates me? Helping clients find the best way forward for their projects and working with great people to find solutions is exciting.

Jane Harrison, Planning Associate Director

I enjoy working collaboratively with clients, colleagues, consultant teams, and other stakeholders to find solutions to complex issues.

Lorraine King, Heritage Planning Director

I believe historic buildings and landscapes have an integral role to play in creating successful and sustainable places.

Nick Paterson-Neild

Planning Director

Jane Harrison

Planning Associate Director

Lorraine King

Heritage Planning Director

We’re better together

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    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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