Plans submitted for Oxford medical research hub

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a hybrid planning application for the transformation of the Warneford Hospital site in Headington into a major centre for mental health care and medical research.

The proposed Warneford Park development represents a collaboration between the Trust, the University of Oxford, and a private benefactor, aiming to establish a new benchmark in brain science and healthcare innovation.

While the scheme includes a new mental health hospital to replace the ageing Grade II listed Warneford Hospital, the plans place strong emphasis on advancing Oxford's standing as a global leader in medical and brain research. Central to this vision is a new, purpose-built research facility designed to accommodate leading academics, biotech firms, and start-up companies.

The new research building will feature flexible laboratory and office spaces, designed for high environmental performance and targeting Passivhaus standards. Located adjacent to clinical services, the facility aims to promote close collaboration between researchers and clinicians, with the goal of accelerating breakthroughs in brain health and mental illness.

In addition to cutting-edge laboratories, the development includes plans for a new postgraduate college focused on medical sciences, bioengineering, and related fields. The college will house approximately 250 first-year postgraduate students, with further accommodation for families and faculty. Designed to integrate with the site's historic architecture, the college will also host events and provide amenities accessible to the wider Headington community.

The proposed masterplan has been led by Eric Parry Architects, with a focus on reconnecting the historic landscape of the Warneford site to its original therapeutic function. The design incorporates green terraces, natural daylight, and open spaces to support wellness for both patients and research staff.

If approved, Warneford Park will form a multi-disciplinary campus uniting healthcare, scientific discovery, and education. The planning application is open for public consultation until 19 September and includes both full and outline elements. Future applications will be required to finalise the restoration and repurposing of the existing hospital buildings once the new hospital is operational.

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said the campus would accelerate scientific discovery and transform care delivery: “Warneford Park will bring together leading experts from science, healthcare and industry in a world-class, purpose-built environment that is fit for the future.”

Eric Parry, founder of Eric Parry Architects, said the scheme represents a “unique opportunity” to create a landmark research and innovation environment in Oxford while restoring the therapeutic character of the site.

The application can be viewed on Oxford City Council’s planning portal under references 25/01859/OUTFUL and 25/01834/LBC.