Oxford University have just been given the go-ahead by planning officials to construct a £45m Big Data Institute, thought to be the first of its kind in the world. The Institute will be located at Oxford University’s Old Road Campus; city council’s east area planning approved the plans on Wednesday.
Chairman Roy Darke said: “This is an important addition for research facilities for the university, and I have no doubt this is of enormous value for the city.”
The building will house 600 staff, including an extensive team of researchers. A report from The Oxford Mail suggests the primary area of research focus will be advancing our understanding of diseases. The institute is being funded the British government and the health & education group Li Ka Shing Foundation, donating £10 million and £20 million respectively.
Further details on the centre and its proposed work are scarce at this point, but The Oxford Mail have assured us the building will “be chevron-shaped and have grass and plants covering the roof. It will also feature a sunken garden area with a bridge.” Watch this space.
(Image credit: Piers Nyle)
