UAS Space Review
The UAS Space Review is a long-term project which aims to make efficient and effective use of University Administration and Services (UAS) space
21 October 2025
About the review
The UAS Space Review is a long-term project which seeks to ensure the UAS uses its space efficiently and effectively — particularly when working in a hybrid way.
When it launched in 2022, the project’s primary aim was to reduce the UAS’s footprint by at least 25% (or more where possible), a target set for UAS as part of the work of the Planning and Resource Allocation Committee (PRAC) to mitigate for the impacts of inflation on the University.
In looking to reduce UAS footprint, the ambition is to seek appropriate consolidation of services into fewer premises overall.
The project is overseen by a Steering Group chaired by the Academic Registrar, Dr Saira Shaikh, with representation from across UAS. The process of review has been taking a highly consultative approach, to ensure our space continues to meet our needs.
The group strives to ensure that our space is of the right quality and configuration, with appropriate technology in place to ensure delivery of services and support required by the University.
It will also be taking the opportunity to increase occupancy in the offices we move to, building on and taking advantage of the increasingly hybrid ways in which our teams now work.
Progress to date
Since its initial launch in Michaelmas term 2022, the project has made significant progress, with many UAS teams already taking steps to reduce their space — in particular through the use of shared-desking and other flexible arrangements in a variety of UAS offices.
There have already been some changes, including:
- Academic Administration Division:
- Student Systems and Student Fees and Funding moving to Wellington Square, releasing space for academic use in Gibson building, and freeing up space in Worcester Street
- Student Registry releasing some Exam Schools space
- Freeing up space in Wellington Square by consolidating the following teams into shared spaces
- Academic Registrar’s Office and EPS
- UG and PG admissions teams
- Estates Services: releasing space in 4 and 6 Worcester Street and consolidating at the Malthouse
- Finance Division: releasing space in Hythe Bridge Street and one floor in 6 Worcester Street, and consolidating their teams in wholly open-plan arrangements at OUP
- Development and Alumni Engagement: taking up space previously used by the International Engagement Office in Wellington Square , and consolidating space across the directorate
These changes have helped achieve a significant step towards the 25% target.
Longer term plans
In June 2023, PRAC confirmed proposals to move most UAS teams into three distinct hubs:
- 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. Other student-facing services and facilities, namely the Oxford SU and the Muslim Prayer Room, will also be provided with new arrangements at this hub site. - Senior officers and externally 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. - Professional Services hub, Worcester Street and the Malthouse
Core UAS functions (see table below) will move into a collection of units around Worcester Street and the Malthouse, supporting improved collaboration and efficiency.
Proposed long-term location of UAS teams
The table below provides a high-level indication of the proposed location of individual UAS teams in the long term. Please note that this list is subject to further planning, and more detailed information will be provided as the project develops.
| Senior officers and externally-facing hub, Radcliffe Humanities | Student-facing hub, Wellington Square Offices | Professional Services hub, Worcester Street and the Malthouse | Other locations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Clarendon Building
Dartington House
Examination Schools
Oxford University Press inance Division |
Please note that:
- The following teams are not in-scope for the review, and will remain in their existing locations:
- Oxford University Sport
- Security Services
- Childcare Services nurseries
- The Language Centre
- Temporary Staffing Service
The following buildings have been, or are expected to be released by the UAS as part of the project:
- 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street
- Hayes House
- 7-19 Banbury Road
- 10 Parks Road
- Littlegate House
- 56 Banbury Road
- Robert Hooke Building
- Boundary Brook House
A number of moves have already taken place. More are expected in 2026, following the opening of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
Detailed planning for UAS team layouts at each hub site has been underway, following updated review of space needs and requirements. Final designs for team layouts at each site are close to conclusion. The Steering Group continues to be in place, with working groups established for each of the three hubs.
The chairs for the three ‘hub’ groups are:
- Senior officers and externally facing hub: Antony Willott, Director of Planning and Council Secretariat
- Student-facing hub: Jo Lateu, Head of Administration and Finance, Academic Administration Division
- Professional services hub: Dr Tanita Casci, Interim Director, Research Services
These groups have representation reflective of the teams planned to move to the new hubs. They have supported in-depth space planning processes and are contributing to a phased relocation plan to inform future office moves.
There will be communications and engagement activities to keep UAS staff updated as detailed planning takes place, and 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 and, where practicable, there will be a focus on reducing the impact of the changes on business operations. This means there will be many opportunities to contribute to the future direction of the new spaces as the project progresses.
Further information
More information about the project will follow as it develops, and a number of FAQs can be found below. If you have any questions at this stage, you should speak to your department head, or the relevant chair of the working groups listed above.
FAQs
There have been detailed consultations with each UAS department, with updated space requirements being analysed and assessed as part of this process. Teams will soon be engaged through the relevant working group on how layout plans can be taken forward into final detailed design plans.
No. While there will be an expectation that the majority of UAS sections will be able to reduce their existing space allocations, specific reductions will depend on a range of operational factors determined through the course of the project. However, initial scoping indicates that 25% is likely to be broadly achievable in most spaces. Exploring opportunities for greater space saving will be done in consultation with individual teams.
This project is focused on providing the right space for UAS teams based on current practices and future projections. However, it is possible that the way individuals work across the working week may need to change to make effective use of space.
No. This project is specifically focused on making more efficient use of our buildings, based on current workforce projections, and new and hybrid working practices we are adapting.
Detailed planning is now underway. We will provide more specific details as soon as possible.
