A new building will be soon constructed at an Oxford University college near Radcliffe Camera.

Somerville College has announced that construction on a flagship building at the heart of the University of Oxford’s new Radcliffe Observatory Quarter will begin shortly.

The building has been enabled by a significant philanthropic donation from the Tata Group as the landmark building will honour Mr Ratan Tata.

Renowned not only as a pioneering business leader, Mr Tata was also one of India’s leading philanthropists through the Tata Trusts.

READ MORE: All chancellor candidates officially announced by Oxford UniversityAnother angle of the new building.Another angle of the new building. (Image: Secchi Smith)

Somerville says it will expand the college’s teaching and learning space, support research with global impact and articulate the vision of a sustainable and forward-looking academic community.

A spokesperson for the college said: “The project is made possible by the decade-long friendship between Somerville College and Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, Mr Ratan Tata.

“While the decision to name the new building in honour of Mr Tata in recognition for his lifelong work as a philanthropist and humanitarian was taken some time ago, his death last week, felt so keenly throughout India and the world, gives even greater meaning to this lasting tribute to him.”

Construction on the Ratan Tata Building will begin in the Spring of 2025 and will see it stand opposite the Blavatnik School of Government.

READ MORE: Downton Abbey actor announces shock Oxford University chancellor bid

Mr Ratan Tata visiting Somerville College in 2015.Mr Ratan Tata visiting Somerville College in 2015. (Image: Somerville College)

The new four-storey building will occupy the last remaining plot of land available for development on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter site.

New seminar rooms and offices will exist alongside spaces for shared study and interdisciplinary collaboration, reception rooms and accommodation for visiting academics.

Somerville College’s Principal, Baroness Royall, said of the news: “This building is the fruit of many conversations, hopes and dreams over the past decade and our long association with Mr Tata.

“In its capacity to meet our College’s present and future need, to embody our values, and to guide us towards an exciting future, it is unparalleled.

“Now it will stand as a permanent legacy to the life of a remarkable man and a dear friend of Somerville.

READ MORE: Northern Lights seen across county including iconic Oxford landmarks

“I am deeply grateful to Mr Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, and all those involved for enabling us to create this dynamic expression of friendship between Oxford and India, to pay tribute to Mr Tata and to cement Somerville’s plans as a world-class academic institution.”

Mr. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons, commented, “In Mr Tata’s vision for India, research and critical inquiry went hand in hand with development and prosperity.

“This partnership with Somerville College is a tribute to Mr Tata’s values.

“The building in his name will be a home to research that is necessary and urgent for India.”

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app