College's lecture theatre plan amid Raac work

A University of Oxford college working to replace unsafe concrete wants to keep a temporary lecture theatre in place to give it more time to complete the critical work.

St Catherine's College restricted access to parts of its site in 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in roofs.

It was discovered in its kitchen, dining hall, administration block, Wolfson Library and the top floor of its original accommodation blocks.

The buildings date back to the 1960s, when the Grade I listed college was built to a design by acclaimed Danish architect Arne Jacobsen.

Agents for the college said replacement works were progressing well and its administration block, student social areas, kitchen and dining hall were "partially complete and back in use".

However, it wants planning permission to keep a temporary lecture theatre marquee for another year after it was initially allowed to put it up for two years in April 2024.

Other work to replace the roof of the Bernard Sunley Building, which includes a lecture theatre, is currently under way.

The application is due to be decided by Oxford City Council.