Christ Church College has applied to Oxford City Council to change the Faculty of Music at St Aldate’s into a graduate centre, including 62 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) apartments and communal spaces.
The plans – created by fjcstudio – would provide graduate students with an alternative to private rented accommodation within the city, which would free up general housing stock. Oxford University has long recognised the pressing need for more dedicated graduate housing in central Oxford.
The rooms at the new scheme would be between 18 and 20 sq ft, and the accommodation building would be extended to allow for more floor space. This important site also provides an opportunity for renewal, whilst also preserving and enhancing the site’s value, sustainability and heritage.
A comprehensive landscaping scheme is proposed across the site to deliver high-quality, welcoming and inclusive environments for residents and visitors. The redesign of the landscape prioritises accessibility, ecological enhancements, and the preservation of the existing mature
trees, which contribute significantly to the site’s character.
“The proposals follow extensive pre-application discussions with Oxford City Council, a meeting with the Oxford Design Review Panel, and a thorough public consultation period. During this process, the design team have responded to queries raised and feedback received.”
Planning Statement, Carter Jonas
The Faculty of Music is being relocated to the Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for Humanities, which lies at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter in Jericho, in autumn 2025.
The existing Denis Arnold Hall and music practice rooms to the rear of the site will remain and will continue to be used by members of the college, cathedral and faculty members.
“Christ Church is committed to enhancing the experience of its graduate students by providing more, much-needed graduate accommodation in central Oxford alongside shared spaces for social and intellectual exchange.
“The proposed Christ Church Graduate Centre aims to create a high quality, sustainable, and well-integrated residential environment that seeks to meet the needs of the College’s graduate community.”
Design and Access Statement, fjcstudio
