A university building in a 'critical state of disrepair' is set to get a much-needed refurbishment.

The University of Oxford has submitted proposals to demolish part of the third floor of the Sherrington Building within the University Science Quarter in Parks Road. 

The scheme includes a new academic hub with flexible seminar and innovation space, open laboratories, support space and research offices.

No public comments have been submitted in support or objection to the plans. 

A comment from Charlie Jacobs, Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) planning officer, said: “Many of the changes proposed to the Sherrington Building, as detailed in the above application, are positive.

"The Trust are encouraged by the commitment to establishing a new academic hub, flexible seminar and innovation space, flexible open laboratories, and support space to the otherwise congruous research centre, reinstalling some of the institution's former variety and function.

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Sherrington Building CGI (Image: Oxford City Council) “Though OPT do not object in principle to the modernisation of the facility, ensuring a continued and more adaptive use, the Trust are wary of the significant increase to the buildings massing.

"The incremental additions of an additional storey on the height of the 1960’s roof extension, enclosed services and plant (which effectively results in and fifth floor) and flues above this all contribute to the proposal impacting on both short and longer distance views, in and out of the city.”

In the scheme's planning statement, it said: “The building is currently in a critical state of disrepair.

"The mechanical and electrical ventilation systems are in a dangerously poor state and there are leaks in the roof. Approximately 25 per cent of the main building is uninhabitable and remains vacant.

“The University and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics have been reviewing the Sherrington Building for some time, with a view to renovating the building.

"The department is currently failing to recruit to senior posts due to the lack of appropriate accommodation and infrastructure.

"The proposals would return more of the building to a usable, flexible state that it suitable for modern scientists, allowing the department to recruit to senior faculty posts and attract externally funded fellows.

"The proposed works would also bring the building back into a more efficient use.

“Given the important location of the site, it was considered essential to ensure that stakeholders and neighbours were involved in the proposals for the expansion and refurbishment of the Sherrington Building.”

For more details about the plans online, search 24/01821/FUL on Oxford City Council's planning portal.