A CHEMISTRY laboratory and museum in Oxford could be turned into a bar and music lounge for one of the university’s colleges.

The University of Oxford wants to refurbish the west wing of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, on South Parks Road, and turn it into a bar and music lounge for Reuben College students.

It has submitted an application to Oxford City Council, which is the planning authority.

A statement prepared by Savills and submitted as part of the application said: “The change of use from laboratory to a bar and music lounge will mean the space loses its historic laboratory use.

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“However, the building is unable to accommodate the extensive alterations needed to maintain its laboratory use in the 21st century.

“Conversion to a use that retains its association with the university therefore represents an optimum viable use.

“The works proposed are required to enable this use and connect the space to the adjoining Reuben College space in a way that ensures accessibility is provided for all.

“The proposed use of the space maintains its university use and helps to keep the buildings in a use that is an evolution of their original purpose.”

Reuben College was established in May 2019 as Oxford University’s 39th college and is a graduate college with a focus on interdisciplinary research.

It covers 21st century challenges, focusing on artificial intelligence, machine learning, environmental change and cellular life.

The council is expected to make a decision by January 30.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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