THE original benefactor of Oxford University’s Said Business School yesterday marked the completion the first stage of a £28m extension.

The building, next to Oxford railway station car park, will be open by the summer of next year.

Businessman Wafic Saïd poured concrete to mark the milestone in a topping out ceremony. The extension will allow the school to accommodate more students and increase teaching and executive education activities.

It was designed by leading architects Dixon Jones – who created the school’s original building in Park End Street – and will feature three lecture theatres, seminar rooms and social space, including a bar, restaurant and roof terrace.

Mr Saïd said: “This building has been part of the vision for the Said Business School from the moment the university bought this site.

“We knew that, if the school was a success, it would outgrow its original building in 10 years and so it has proved.”