Plan submitted for new mental health hospital in Oxford

Chris McHugh

BBC News, Oxfordshire

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the new hospital wards would “connect with nature”

Cityscape Digital for Eric Parry Architects An architects image of a large modern building with brown facades and lush green squares leading up to it. CGI people can be seen approaching the modern building on steps. — Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the new hospital wards would “connect with nature”

Plans have been submitted for a £750m new mental health hospital and medical research campus.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) said Warneford Park, in Headington, Oxford, would “benefit patients” and support advances in “mental health and brain science”.

It added the new hospital would have modern inpatient facilities, emphasising “patient wellness and therapeutic spaces that connect with nature”.

The original hospital, which opened in 1826, is thought to be the oldest inpatient unit still in use across the NHS.

The old Warneford hospital will be “refurbished and repurposed” as a graduate college

Cityscape Digital for Eric Parry Architects An architects image of an old white buildings developed into new ones. In the foreground is a path with green spaces either sides and CGI students relaxing and chatting — The old Warneford hospital will be “refurbished and repurposed” as a graduate college

The new hospital will support “physical accessibility, dementia, sensory and neurodiverse needs” and the site will also have space for biotech, pharmaceutical and start-up companies.

OUH said the project would cost “in excess” of £750m, with the trust seeking government funding for the hospital construction.

It said the proposals would provide “a world-class research campus… that will aim to tackle some of the most important issues in brain and mental health”.

Under additional plans yet to be submitted, the existing Warneford Hospital would be refurbished and used as a graduate college.

The college would have accommodation for 250 first year students, with additional space for students and their families.

OUH added that while the proposal was “landscape-led” there were no plans to develop on the nearby Warneford Meadow.

The plans include a research building as well as space for start-up businesses

Cityscape Digital for Eric Parry Architects An architects image of a large brown and white science research building sitting behind large green spaces with tree-lined paths. The building is three stories high and curved at each end, vaguely resembling a cruise ship like structure — The plans include a research building as well as space for start-up businesses

Professor Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of Oxford University, said: “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.

“The new facility will enable us to accelerate scientific discovery into benefits for patients, as well as driving forward positive change nationally and internationally.”

OUH said construction would begin in late 2028 at the earliest, with the hospital and research building opening in 2031, and the graduate college in 2033.

The Meadow Unit, a mental health facility to treat young people, opened on the site in 2023, designed to help children experiencing a serious mental disorder receive treatment closer to home.

Comments on the application will be open until 19 September.

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