Oxford college plans to replace unsafe concrete

Unsafe concrete was found at St Catherine's College

Work to replace unsafe concrete found at a University of Oxford college could start later this summer.

Access to parts of St Catherine's College have been restricted since September, when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in the 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 designs by acclaimed Danish architect Arne Jacobsen.

The college said a plan to address Raac issues with its kitchen, dining hall and junior and senior common rooms has been submitted to Oxford City Council.

It includes work in its Bernard Sunley Building and library.

Replacing the Raac could start in August.

A later application will deal with work in its accommodation blocks.

The college, which has about 900 students, said it would soon announce "a major capital campaign" to help address paying for the project's costs.