Worcester College is delighted to confirm that a resolution to grant planning consent for the new Nazrin Shah Building was achieved in April 2014.

The application follows significant consultation with the City Council, Heritage Bodies and neighbours and approves the construction of a lecture theatre which will seat 160 along with a new studio, seminar rooms and an e-hub offering an interactive and state of the art learning and performance environment for students, Fellows and staff. In addition the development will provide a facility that will be used for conferences and for lectures that will be open to the University and the city as a whole.

The new building, constructed from natural materials such as stone and timber, will be sited in the northern grounds of the College bounded by the cricket pitch and Earl Building and has been praised for its sensitive design and respect for the historic landscape and heritage aspects of the site. The project aims to be sustainable with the inclusion of geothermal boreholes and a green roof and will also include the extension of the lake and opportunity to open up picturesque views through the College grounds.

The Provost of Worcester College, Professor Jonathan Bate, comments:-

“I am incredibly excited by this project – Niall McLaughlin and his team have produced a beautiful design that will sit discreetly in its setting while providing fantastic opportunities for our students. The College is hugely grateful to our Old Member HRH Nazrin Shah for his generosity in making this possible.”

The new building was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects, having come to the attention of the College when shortlisted for the 2013 Stirling Prize for its Bishop Edward King Chapel at Ripon Theological College, Cuddesdon.

The next stage of design is now underway and it is expected that works will commence in Spring 2015, with works expected to take 12 – 15 months to complete.

pdcm limited were appointed to manage the architectural competition and design and will continue to manage the design, procurement and construction of the new facility owing to their significant experience and track record delivering projects of this nature.