Works updates

We’re developing campuses for the future. Where possible we keep disruptive work to times that limit the impact on local residents, staff and students. With the size of some of the works we are doing this is not always possible. Keep up-to-date with current works and route changes on all our campuses.

Construction of new buildings on the Headington Hill site

Oxford Brookes received planning permission in June 2022 for two new buildings on the Headington Hill site. The new teaching and workshop buildings we are constructing will help to transform STEM and creative industries activity. The cutting-edge, sustainable spaces will allow our students, staff and researchers to flourish, boost local collaboration and meet the needs of business. 

We currently expect the buildings to open their doors for the 2024/25 academic year.

Further information on the development can be found on the project's dedicated webpage where you can view a CGI fly-through video of the new buildings.

Construction of two new buildings began in January 2023, following the completion of enabling work. 

High-res design for the workshop building on the Headington Hill site

Building work update from construction company Willmott Dixon (November 2023 update)

Ongoing work

The University's contracted construction company Willmott Dixon is providing a monthly update on the building work for the teaching and workshop buildings on the Headington Hill. 

Recent progress highlighted in the latest Willmott Dixon update includes:

  • a topping out ceremony to mark significant construction milestones for both buildings with further information available on our newspages
  • cladding and curtain walling progressing well for the north east and north west corners of the teaching building
  • the first half of the ground floor slab has been completed for the workshop building alongside structural toppings for the first floor.

Upcoming activities highlighted in the latest Willmott Dixon update include:

  • mechanical, electrical and plumbing work in the teaching building now that it is water tight
  • cladding and curtain walling for the teaching building will continue across the north and south elevations
  • the second half of the slab works will continue for the workshop building.

Other updates to be aware of for those on site:

  • a barrier system has been introduced to help ensure traffic safety. 
  • the barriers will be lowered when construction vehicles are maneuvering near to the Gatehouse at the entrance to the site.
  • the rear access doors from Richard Hamilton Building became a designated fire escape route only from February 2023. 
  • signage has been put in place to indicate this change in access arrangements.
Further detail, including progress of the new accommodation blocks, can be found in the latest newsletter links on this page.

Construction update newsletters

Headington Hill site parking update

The top car park on the Headington Hill site permanently closed during the enabling works stage in November 2022, as this is the location of the new workshop building. 

The University acknowledges parking at Headington Campus has become more challenging. Notwithstanding this, we ask those with non-electric vehicles (EV) to not park in the designated EV spaces. More generally please also ensure that you park within marked bays when parking on campus. 


It is likely that further temporary losses of a small number of car parking spaces will be necessary throughout the construction phase. Where possible, this will be communicated via these Work Update pages. Further information for staff on alternative, sustainable ways of travelling to the Headington Campus can be found on the University’s Travel webpages.

Live images of the new Headington Hill buildings' construction work

While the construction work on the Headington Hill site takes place, the two following cameras below show regular progress for the teaching building (left) and the workshop building (right).

Redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village (November 2023 update)

CGI image of the Clive Booth redevlopment

Oxford Brookes received planning permission in November 2021 for the redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village. 

The project will provide an increased number of high-quality rooms within the University’s estate. This will help to reduce the number of students living in private rented accommodation and support efforts to manage local housing demand.

Further information on the development can be found on the project's dedicated webpage.

The construction work is being undertaken on behalf of the University by Morgan Sindall, who are registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme. 

Safety is of the utmost importance and both Oxford Brookes and Morgan Sindall will ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum while work is undertaken. 

Ongoing work

Latest progress and upcoming work as part of the redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village is detailed below.

Elm Building (previously named Building E): 

  • Currently undergoing testing of the electrical and mechanical systems, with final finishes and furniture installation.

  • Externally the scaffold is being taken down and the bricklayers are filling in the gaps where the scaffold was tied to the building.

  • This building is due to hand over to the University and is expected to be occupied in the new year.

Fir Building (previously named Building F)

  • The Fir Building is progressing quickly with the internal partitions in position up to level 4.

  • The weatherboard wall that forms the inner wall of the façade is complete.

  • The roof is now weatherproof and 60% complete.

Damson Building (previously named Building D)

  • The Damson Building which is one of the larger buildings is now at it’s peak height.
  • The internal façade is complete and bricklaying continues up the building.
  • Electrical cabling, plumbing and fire alarms are now complete up to level 5.

Cherry Building (previously named Building C)

  • The Cherry Building (which is the second largest building) has now had all the pre-fabricated bathroom pods installed.
  • The building's windows are currently being fitted.
  • Scaffolding for the bricklayers to use is to be completed in November.

Further detail can be found in the latest newsletter links on this page.

Find out more about Clive Booth Student Village in person

From May 2022 Morgan Sindall, in collaboration with Oxford Brookes, began hosting drop-in information sessions on the first Monday of every month. Anyone is welcome to attend the sessions which allow for individuals or groups to hear about the latest developments and ask questions. 

They take place at the Morgan Sindall Site Office located within the previous Morrells Bar on the Clive Booth Student Village site. The next drop-in sessions will be taking place from 3.00pm to 5.00pm on:

  • Monday 18 December 2023
  • Monday 22 January 2024
  • Monday 19 February 2024

Information and images are also viewable on hoardings (pictured left) which can be found near the Cuckoo Lane entrance to Clive Booth Student Village site.

CBSV-hoarding-with-information-on-the-redevelopment

Temporary footpath diversions near to the Headington Hill site (November 2023 update)

From Monday 6 November, work began to improve part of the wall surrounding the Headington Hill site. While this work takes place, which is expected to last for up to eight weeks until Saturday 16 December, a section of the Cuckoo Lane footpath will be inaccessible. Signage for a short diversion, as noted via a downloadable map of the area, will be in place while this work takes place.

Last opportunity to view Wheatley Campus’ engraved bricks

As the University continues to move all remaining activity from the Wheatley Campus as part of its Oxford Campus Vision, the coming months will provide a final opportunity to view the engraved bricks on the site.

Engraved bricks were added to the campus as part of the introduction of the Simon Williams Building, which officially opened in 2007.

It will not be possible to preserve or move the bricks once the University has moved all remaining activity from the site ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. Anyone wishing to view and take photos of the engraved bricks is therefore encouraged to do so by the end of Semester 2 in May 2024.

Instructions on reaching the Wheatley Campus can be found on the Oxford Brookes website.