Oxford University Development (OUD), the joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General, has submitted a phased redevelopment and refurbishment plan for Wellington Square in central Oxford.
The scheme proposes a new four-storey academic, office and teaching building at 25 Wellington Square with flexible ground-floor retail (potentially including a café) to bring more activity to Little Clarendon Street. A second phase would refurbish the Western Terrace to create around 100 graduate rooms in a mix of sizes, replacing accommodation that has been closed due to maintenance issues.
Quick Facts
- Developer: Oxford University Development (OUD) · Location: Wellington Square / Little Clarendon Street, central Oxford
- Status: Application submitted to Oxford City Council · If approved: works expected to start 2027
Clare Hebbes, Director of Development at OUD, said:
“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the two stages of consultation. The feedback has informed our final proposals, including our approach to construction. Our aim is to create a place that supports the wider community, contributes to the local economy, and provides world-class facilities for the university and its students.”
What’s in the plans
- 25 Wellington Square (Phase 1):
New 4-storey building for academic/office/teaching, with flexible retail at street level onto Little Clarendon Street. - Western Terrace (Phase 2):
Refurbishment to provide ~100 graduate rooms, easing pressure on private rented housing while retaining the historic terrace facing the square. - Public realm & movement:
Wider pavements on Wellington Square, adjusted seating, and an amended link to Little Clarendon Street, with pedestrian and cycle movement “carefully considered” for safety and comfort. - Retail frontage:
Improved commercial space on Little Clarendon Street to support local businesses and increase daytime and evening activity (current units have been on short-term leases pending redevelopment). - Sustainability:
New build designed to high environmental standards (including Passivhaus principles). The terrace refurbishment aims to minimise embodied carbon by retaining the existing structure. Landscape enhancements would increase biodiversity, add new trees and improve public spaces. - Heritage & views:
Proposals say the scheme will reinforce historic views of the Radcliffe Observatory Tower.
Construction approach
Following engagement with neighbours, OUD says a “sensitive” approach is planned, including a Construction & Environmental Management Plan, dust control, adherence to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, clear site hoarding, coordinated logistics, and regular communications with residents and businesses.
What happens next
- The application will be considered by Oxford City Council in the usual way.
- If permission is granted, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
- Members of the public will be able to comment via the council’s planning portal once the application is validated and published online (search for Wellington Square redevelopment).
At a glance
- Who: Oxford University Development (University of Oxford + Legal & General)
- Where: Wellington Square / Little Clarendon Street, central Oxford
- What: New academic/office/teaching space, flexible retail; refurbishment of Western Terrace to ~100 graduate rooms
- Public realm: Wider pavements, adjusted seating, improved walking/cycling link to Little Clarendon Street
- Sustainability: Passivhaus-influenced new build; low-carbon refurbishment; biodiversity and tree planting
- Retail: Enhanced frontage on Little Clarendon Street; activity at street level
- Heritage: Historic terrace retained; views to Radcliffe Observatory Tower reinforced
- Timeline: Determination by Oxford City Council; if approved, start in 2027
