OXFORD University's vice-chancellor has ditched her office, once dubbed a "concrete office block that would look more at home in Cold War East Berlin".

The Oxford Mail understands Professor Louise Richardson – who started a seven-year term in January – has moved from offices in Wellington Square to the iconic Clarendon Building, in Broad Street.

University sources said Prof Richardson's previous office was giving the "wrong impression" to important guests.

One added: "You come to Oxford thinking of the Bodleian and the Sheldonian Theatre but then visitors of the Vice-Chancellor get brought to Wellington Square, which doesn't look good."

The Wellington Square office block has been home to the administrative staff of Oxford University since 1974, including the Vice-Chancellor.

Its concrete-heavy design is a far-cry from the neoclassical Clarendon Building, seen as the gateway to the university and designed by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The Clarendon was constructed in 1712-13 for Oxford University Press before it moved to its present Jericho building in the 1830s.

It was then used by university administrative staff until the 1970s and later by Bodleian Library staff, but the Vice-Chancellor retained an office there.

A university spokesman confirmed the reopening of the Weston Library across the road – formerly the New Bodleian – last year meant it was now available.

He added: "This has allowed the small team which supports the Vice Chancellor to be co-located in the Clarendon Building.

"Using the traditional location as the Vice-Chancellor’s base, close to the heart of the university and many colleges, also allows the university to receive guests from around the world in a location that showcases the institution’s long history and extraordinary architectural heritage."