L&G and Oxford University combine to build new postgrad accommodation 'for families'

Oxford University Development (a partnership of Legal & General and Oxford University) have announced the development of Court Place Gardens, a sizeable estate due to contain lots of brand new postgraduate homes that will be specifically designed with families in mind. It will be part of L&G and Oxford University’s pioneering new £4bn partnership.

Court Place Gardens, located in Iffley, Oxfordshire, is set to be the very first residential site that the cash-rich partnership embarks on developing. It will deliver more than 80 much-needed postgrad homes.

The site, found next to a Norman church, currently has a small number of graduate houses that were built in the 1970s. They're to be replaced with new houses across three courtyards. There will be a focus on energy efficiency, with air source heat pumps providing the heating.

Mike Coplowe, Senior Development Manager at Legal & General, said this of the development: "Court Place Gardens marks the start of our residential ambitions with Oxford University, which is an essential first step towards creating more modern, affordable and sustainable accommodation for the University."

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University, which will help retain talent in the city whilst providing the facilities for world-leading research and innovation, as well as much needed housing for key workers. By facilitating investment into the UK’s regional cities, we are creating a virtuous cycle whereby pensions and savings are used to create positive social, environmental and economic outcomes which are in line with our commitment to Inclusive Capitalism."

CEO of Oxford University Developments Anna Strongman commented on the project too, saying: “This is a fantastic milestone for the Partnership and OUD as we see the first of our residential schemes be developed. We are proud of the high quality design that responds to the beautiful landscape of the site and the sustainable merits of the scheme, such as its fossil fuel free nature."

"The development of Court Place Gardens will play a key role in the city’s evolution, creating much-needed housing to allow the City to attain and retain talent and allowing Oxford University to retain its world class status."

The project is aiming to be complete and ready for moving into ready for the 2024/5 academic year.

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