The Sherrington building is home to Oxford University’s Department of Physiology and Genetics, and dates back to the 1940s.
The proposal, which was made by the chancellor, masters and scholars of the university, calls for the third floor of the building to be refurbished and for new academic hub to be created, allowing for “flexible seminar and innovation space, open laboratories, support space and research offices”.
Part of the third floor would also be demolished, and replaced by a new rooftop extension, while an external terrace and new plant room enclosure would be added.
The application is set for discussion at the Oxford City Council planning meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
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The plans have not received any objections or letters of support from the general public.
According to the planning statement, the building is in a “critical state of disrepair”.
A CGI of the building (Image: Oxford City Council) It added: “The mechanical and electrical ventilation systems are in a dangerously poor state and there are leaks in the roof.
“Approximately 25 per cent of the main building is uninhabitable and remains vacant.
“The University and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics have been reviewing the Sherrington Building for some time, with a view to renovating the building.
“The department is currently failing to recruit to senior posts due to the lack of appropriate accommodation and infrastructure.
“The proposals would return more of the building to a usable, flexible state that it suitable for modern scientists, allowing the department to recruit to senior faculty posts and attract externally funded fellows.”
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About the author
Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county.
She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master’s in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.
She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.