Oxford University’s £200m redevelopment of the former Radcliffe Infirmary site has been approved by planners.

Work on a new mathematical institute and a humanities building and library can now start after Oxford City Council granted planning permission.

The Radcliffe Observatory Quarter will be one of the university’s biggest building projects in the past 100 years.

Board chairman Prof Anthony Monaco said the university was delighted with Thursday night’s decision.

He said: “These projects form the core of our vision, offering state-of-the-art facilities for research and teaching that will greatly benefit faculty and students.

“The fantastic designs by both architects provide new avenues through the site, exciting gardens and squares, all with views of the Radcliffe Observatory.”

The site covers 10 acres in central Oxford and is bordered by Woodstock Road, Somerville College, Walton Street, Observatory Street, and Green Templeton College.

It was bought by the university in 2003 for £40m after medical services moved to facilities at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals.

Rafael Viñoly Architects designed the new mathematical institute building, which will house more than 500 academics and support staff and provide learning space for about 1,000 undergraduates.

Mr Viñoly said: “Our proposals result from the resolute commitment of Oxford University, city council officers, English Heritage representatives and regional design review panels, who were all intensively involved from the start of the design process.

“Our joint efforts have paid off and generated an architectural solution that engages and complements this complex historical site.”

The humanities building and library has been designed by Bennetts Associates and will bring together English, history, theology and philosophy.

Company director Rab Bennetts said: “Our intention has been to create a group of complementary buildings that echo the grain and texture of Oxford.

“We are delighted to receive planning consent and look forward to receiving the go ahead for construction.”

The university said the new development will provide “cutting-edge research and teaching facilities.”

Prof Alex Halliday, head of mathematical, physical and life sciences, said: “Its a fantastic opportunity for the university, the city and the UK.”

Other developments on the site have already been granted planning permission, including the refurbishment of the grade II listed 18th century Radcliffe Infirmary building and St Luke’s Chapel.

A report to councillors said the new university campus would be successfully “integrated into the wider urban fabric of the city” and that the scheme was “very much within the Oxford tradition”.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk