Carter Jonas has secured planning permission and listed building consent on behalf of All Souls College for a new academic centre at 10-15 High Street, Oxford. The approvals were granted by Oxford City Council in April 2025.
All Souls College is home to a diverse academic community and a uniquely scholarly atmosphere that shapes how its spaces are used.
This innovative, low-energy retrofit will introduce new academic and public-facing areas to the college’s property portfolio. Crucially, it also provides much-needed space for modern academic needs while investing in the High Street and restoring a prominent stretch of Oxford’s High Street.
The approvals allow for a low energy, deep retrofit of a row of buildings along the High Street in Oxford, all of which are listed Grade II. The proposals will create seminar rooms, a raked lecture theatre for 100 people, Fellows’ studies, staff offices, a rooftop garden and dedicated areas for teaching and research.
HISTORIC SETTINGS
The vacant units, currently in a state of disrepair, will be revitalised with high-quality, bespoke shopfronts. What’s more, the passageways connecting the High Street to Oxford’s covered market will also be made more inviting, with improved lighting, clearer signage and finishes that are more in keeping with their historic setting.
These enhancements will not only elevate the public realm but also improve safety across the wider city centre.
COMPLEX RETROFIT
Stephanie Weeks, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford, says: “To work on such a historic scheme in the heart of Oxford has been a privilege. Securing consent for a complex retrofit within a highly sensitive setting required careful negotiation and a robust strategy.
“The outcome reflects true collaboration between the College, Wright & Wright Architects and Oxford City Council, and will help unlock long-term value for both All Souls College and the wider city.”
INSPIRING DESIGN
Professor Sir John Vickers, the Warden of All Souls College, says: “We are delighted to have received planning permission and listed building consent for our proposals to revitalise the properties at 10-15 High Street.
“The inspiring design by Wright & Wright blends tradition with innovation while achieving high levels of sustainability. By investing in well-designed teaching, research and retail spaces in this way, we will be able to advance our academic mission in a manner that is also good for our historic city and its economic vibrancy.”
Construction is due to commence on site in summer 2025 and the scheme is anticipated to complete in 2028.
Carter Jonas worked alongside Wright & Wright Architects, Donald Insall Associates, Oxford Archaeology, Max Fordham and engineersHRW.
