{"id":95434,"date":"2025-08-27T03:27:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T03:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/95434\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T03:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T03:27:14","slug":"eric-parry-submits-plans-to-convert-199-year-old-hospital-buildings-into-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/95434\/","title":{"rendered":"Eric Parry submits plans to convert 199-year-old hospital buildings into college"},"content":{"rendered":"

The practice handed in a hybrid application for the scheme at Warneford Park in the Headington district of the university city.<\/p>\n

Backed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust<\/a> and the University of Oxford, the proposals would create a mental health hospital and a medical research centre across more than 60,000m\u00b2 of new buildings to the east of the existing site.<\/p>\n

The 199-year-old structures currently used by Warneford Hospital would then be converted into a college for graduates to further their studies in medical sciences, bio-engineering and related disciplines.<\/p>\n

Further new buildings will create en-suite rooms for 250 students as well as academic offices, meeting rooms, teaching spaces, a performance and rehearsal space, a dining hall, informal study areas and a library.<\/p>\n

Practice founder Eric Parry said sustainability was a \u2018key consideration\u2019 throughout the plans, with Passivhaus principles to be applied along with compliance with the NHS Net Zero Carbon Standard.<\/p>\n

Landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan has designed grounds incorporating ornamental and rain gardens as well as a new habitat complementing the neighbouring Warneford Meadow.<\/p>\n

The new hospital would comprise four two-storey wings of patient accommodation radiating from a central spine of therapeutic and communal spaces. <\/p>\n

Parry said every ward would have \u2018a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors\u2019, allowing patients to \u2018retain a sense of their location within the building and the wider landscape\u2019.<\/p>\n

Natural materials selected for the hospital include unglazed terracotta, precast concrete, stone and timber. The practice said this would ensure the new structures \u2018sit harmoniously alongside the listed buildings\u2019.<\/p>\n

Parry added: \u2018Warneford Park presents a unique opportunity to realise the full benefits of research collaboration through the long-term partnership between the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford.<\/p>\n

\u2018By providing shared facilities for the significant concentration of expertise located here in Oxford, Warneford Park will create an outstanding environment for healthcare, innovation and education, supporting the UK\u2019s internationally-significant contribution to the field of medical research.\u2019<\/p>\n

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Grant Macdonald said the project represented a \u2018once-in-a-lifetime opportunity\u2019 to transform mental health services in Oxfordshire. <\/p>\n

\u2018It would allow us to provide high-quality care for patients in modern facilities and a therapeutic environment, with on-site research translated directly into clinical practice,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

\u2018Our plans are respectful of the incredible heritage of the site. Through considered restoration of the historic hospital buildings we will give them a new lease of life,\u00a0while continuing the site\u2019s long history of providing mental health care.\u2019<\/p>\n

Professor Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of Oxford University, hailed an \u2018exciting moment\u2019\u00a0as the plans were submitted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Warneford Park will bring together leading experts from science, healthcare and industry in a world-class, purpose-built environment that is fit for the future,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u2018If approved and funded, this new facility will enable us to accelerate scientific discovery into benefits for patients, as well as driving forward positive change nationally and internationally.\u2019<\/p>\n

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