Oxford University college plans for £30m building revealed

Worcester College announced its plans to open a landmark new library building in 2023, following a 'transformational' gift made by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones KBE, who read modern languages at the college in the class of 1965 and is the former CEO and chairman of L'Oreal.

A planning application submitted to Oxford City Council this month has unveiled the vision for the building designed by Wilmotte & Associes Architects, which will be built on the college's existing campus in Worcester Street.

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: Exterior view from the wall gate towards the Besse building and North Range (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

The Provost of the college, Lord Isaac CBE, said: "This striking design by a celebrated European firm epitomises Worcester's role as a leading academic institution at the forefront of research, student experience and global connections.

"We remain indebted to Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones for his vision in a project which will set the tone for future generations of Worcester students and researchers."

The library will be named after its benefactor and will feature two storeys of glass-fronted study space overlooking the orchard, built on part of the college's current greenhouse and car park.

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: View of the south facade (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

Across 1,424sqm, the contemporary library space is intended to 'complement' the college's existing, historic library facilities, which planning documents say "no longer provide the level of accessibility, capacity and functionality required for modern academic use."

It will include silent, quiet and group study spaces, flexible breakout areas, static and mobile shelving for the college's collections and outdoor terraces to take advantage of the view.

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: Interior view of the quiet study, informal work area (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

The plans also include a new parking area of 27 spaces, two of them accessible and half designed for electric vehicle charging, which would be set to the north of the new building on the Walton Street side, plus a new greenhouse and new bike sheds for 26 bikes.

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: View of the parking from the orchard (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

Architecturally, the building is designed to echo the 18th century enfilade, or aligned doorways, of the college's historic Lower Library, with two stacked solid volumes.

The Lower Library will remain in full use as a study space and home of the college's special collections.

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: Interior view of study spaces overlooking the orchard (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones KBE said: "Ever since I first encountered it as a student, the beauty of Worcester College has continued to make an impression on me.

"The architect's design for Worcester's landmark new library aims to be a perfect complement to the historic landscape in which it is situated.

"The opportunity to create this innovative building, which I hope will help inspire generations of students to work comfortably and creatively, makes me very happy indeed."

CGI images of the new Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones library: Exterior view from the Provost's garden entrance (Image: Wilmott & Associes Architects / Oxford City Council)

The college plans to operate the library 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the use of Worcester College staff, students and members.

Worcester College was established in 1714 on the site of the 13th century Gloucester College, and is set in 29 acres of Grade I listed Park & Gardens, which includes a lake.

The application remains under consideration with Oxford City Council.