News

25 November 2009

New library and teaching building

Following the rejection of Oxford Brookes planning application for a new £132 million library and teaching building in September, the university is seeking to find a resolution.

Paul Large, Acting Registrar, said:

"Over the past few weeks we have been looking closely at the feedback arising from the council's decision. We are considering carefully two options - an appeal or modifying the original plans to address the concerns.

"The university has not ruled out an appeal and the final decision on these options will be taken by our board of Governors.

"We are concerned, however, that an appeal could be costly for the university and the council in challenging economic times. We would prefer to work together with councillors and residents to find a consensus and are beginning a process of talking about and presenting new ideas for a modified scheme.

"The scale of the building has been a key issue throughout and we are seriously considering the option of again offering to lower the height of the building on the western boundary, closest to the neighbouring properties, taking it down to four levels. We are also exploring how we could reduce the glazed areas on this side to give the building a softer look.

"An information event will be held in early December to share our ideas and the potential modifications. The dates are Thursday 3 December for students and staff, 4 and 5 December for members of the public.

"At Oxford Brookes, we are known for the outstanding quality of our teaching but our estate is letting us down. We urgently need to invest in our facilities to create a sustainable campus for the future which provides essential teaching and learning space, a new lecture theatre, a first-class library and support services like careers and student welfare under one roof. It's important to stress that the building aims to improve facilities for the current size of the university and is not required because of a growth in student numbers."