Global Leadership Centre

A welcoming space for education, convening and retreat.

Just a few minutes walk from our main campus lies the former Osney Power Station. We are developing this much loved building to be an inspirational Global Leadership Centre. We look forward to welcoming you in late 2025.

The teaching and residential facility will provide leaders of global business, government and civil society, with access to the University’s leading academics and brightest minds to help them reconsider their purpose as well as their operations. Business is a vital force in economies and societies. We will provide expert insights and perspectives to enable them to challenge existing systems and become a positive force to address environmental, social and governance issues and benefit society as a whole.

The space will provide an outstanding learning environment designed for the highest quality education. It will facilitate challenging conversations and practical innovation.

The centre will include:

An ‘agora’ - a large convening space
Flexible classrooms and associated breakout spaces
A library
Dining space for up to 160
121 bedrooms for residential clients
Wellness centre

Location

Located within a few minutes’ walk of the Saïd Business School building on Park End Street, the Global Leadership Centre will not only form part of a mini business ‘campus’ on the doorstep of the main University area, but also complete the latest chapter in the University’s long history of regeneration and innovation.

The redevelopment is more than just the bricks and mortar. We are creating a welcoming space for education, convening and retreat.

Virtual reality tour

Experience the Global Leadership Centre yourself.

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Sustainability

We are committed to reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices.

Waste reduction We implement comprehensive waste reduction strategies, including recycling initiatives, responsible waste management, and minimising single-use items.
Energy efficiency Renovations are being done to Passivhaus standards and will include the installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Sustainable procurement We source sustainable and ethically produced materials, products, and services whenever possible.

History

Osney Power Station is an important part of Oxford's industrial heritage. It opened on 18 June 1892 on an island site within the River Thames approximately one mile to the west of Oxford’s city centre and powered the first electric lightbulb in Oxford.

The power station closed in 1968 and apart from some use by Oxford University’s Engineering Department, and most recently for some museum storage, has stood empty since.

It is not listed but is a building of considerable character and presence much loved by residents with its brick faced elevations. The characteristics will be respected and retained to reflect the architectural history of the building.