The University has agreed high-level plans for the long-term future of space used by the University Administration and Services (UAS), as part of an ongoing review.
The plans will see central teams consolidated into three distinct hubs over the next three years, aiding collaboration, and providing spaces that support post-pandemic ways of working.
The approach will reduce the space the UAS uses by 25%, freeing up capacity in budgets to invest in core services in support of the University’s mission.
About the Space Review
The UAS Space Review is a long-term project which aims to make efficient and effective use of UAS space.
As well as aiming to reduce the total space used, it aims to ensure the space meets post-pandemic ways of working and increase efficiencies - freeing up funding to support UAS services.
The project was set up in Michaelmas term, and overseen by a board chaired by Academic Registrar Dr Saira Shaikh with representation from across the UAS, including Development and External Affairs.
A number of short-term changes took place throughout the 2022/23 academic year, which have already reduced UAS space by around 9% and increased the flexibility of UAS spaces.
Long term plans
Consultation took place throughout Hilary and Trinity terms 2023 about longer term plans, designed to meet the project’s aims over three years.
A number of options were drawn up, with input from UAS teams and other stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of UAS staff as well as the wider University.
Following these discussions, in June 2023 the University’s Planning and Resource Allocation Committee (PRAC) agreed to move most UAS teams (including those in Development and External Affairs) into three distinct hubs over the next three years.
Student-facing hub, University Offices
The University Offices at Wellington Square will be transformed into a central, easily accessible hub for students. This will improve the visibility of central student services and increase collaboration between student-facing teams, in support of the student experience. It will include closely affiliated teams, such as the Alumni Office. Oxford SU will also be provided with a new home in the Examination Schools.
Senior officers and external-facing hub, Radcliffe Humanities
Senior officers and external-facing UAS sections will move to a new location in the Radcliffe Humanities Quarter, after the opening of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities; providing a welcoming ‘front door’ to the University.
Core administration hub, Worcester Street and the Malthouse
Core UAS functions will move into a collection of units around Worcester Street and the Malthouse. This will create a more cohesive administrative hub, leading to improved collaboration and efficiency.
A number of other buildings will be retained, while others will be released, allowing the review to achieve its aims of reducing UAS space by at least 25%.
A high-level summary of the expected locations of individual UAS teams can be found on the project webpage.
Next steps
These are high level plans which will take several years to implement. Most of the moves are not expected to take place until 2026, after the expected opening of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
A detailed planning phase will begin from Michaelmas term 2023, involving in-depth space-planning and creating a phased relocation plan. This phase will include communications and engagement activities to keep UAS staff updated. Guidance will also be provided on making the most efficient use of space, in line with New Ways of Working.
Gathering input from staff will continue to be an essential part of the project. The Project Board will continue, and working groups will be established for each of the hubs, providing many opportunities to contribute to the future direction of the new spaces.
I am delighted by these proposals and am thankful to our UAS colleagues for the collaborative way in which they have been developed. They are ambitious plans which will ensure professional services colleagues have the space they need to continue their excellent work supporting the wider University, and aiding collaboration in pursuit of our Professional Services Together ambitions. - Registrar Gill Aitken
I am pleased that we have been able to develop these plans for the future of UAS space. The review has been a highly collaborative project that will result in logical hubs for UAS teams – and an improved offer for students. They will also free up vital funds to reinvest in delivering UAS services, in support of the University’s long-term financial sustainability - Dr Saira Shaikh, Academic Registrar and Chair of the review's Project Board
More information
More detailed information about the project can be found on the UAS Space review webpages and will be updated as the project develops.
If you have any questions at this stage, you should speak to your department head.
