A NEW addition to Oxford’s dreaming spires has received its crowning glory.

An eye-catching copper dome was yesterday placed on top of a new clock tower at Harris Manchester College, in Mansfield Road.

The 18-metre tower, which contains a new bell and is the focal point of a building with five new student bedrooms, has been constructed by Osney Mead builders Knowles & Son, along with a range of local craftsmen, at a cost of £1.3m.

Adrian Cook, contracts manager at Knowles & Son, said: “It is a new dreaming spire. From the top you can see across The Queen’s College and it will become a landmark.”

The one-tonne dome was lifted by crane on to the tower in a matter of minutes, although building work is not scheduled to finish until February.

Funding for the project came from Thai sisters Maevadi Navapan and Karnitha Karnchanachari, who dedicated the tower to their parents Siew and Sngiem Karnchanachari. The college, which only accepts students over the age of 21, was established in 1889.

Bursar Annette Duffell said: “Our principal, Dr Ralph Waller, had a vision to create a beautiful building which will add to the streetscape. It is very exciting to see it take shape.”

OG Stonemasonry, based in North Leigh, worked on stone carvings, while the copper roof was installed by Woodstock firm Cotswold Metal Roofing.