The University of Oxford is relocating its undergraduate physics practical teaching from the Denys Wilkinson Building amid concerns about the presence of asbestos at the ageing site.
From Michaelmas this year, some practical teaching labs will move to the former Biochemistry and Biological Sciences Teaching Centre, with the remainder moving by Michaelmas 2027. The Biochemistry and Biological Sciences Teaching Centre will be adapted for physics practical teaching. Around 600 undergraduates currently take part in compulsory practical coursework in the Denys Wilkinson Building across the first three years of Oxford’s physics degrees.
A University spokesperson told Cherwell that the decision to relocate had been taken proactively “to avoid the risk of a sudden building failure causing disruption later”. The spokesperson added that the Denys Wilkinson Building, built in 1967, “is being carefully managed through the later years of its usable life”, adding that the building “has some legacy issues, including asbestos”.
‘Asbestos’ refers to several naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat, water, and chemicals and have been widely used in construction in the past. Asbestos is classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation and has been banned in the UK since 1999.
A 2025 investigation by Confront Powers revealed that the University of Oxford breached asbestos management regulations, failing to audit buildings or complete asbestos management plans. The investigation found that the University identified 4,609 asbestos-containing materials across its buildings, with 21 buildings classified as “high risk”.
The University spokesperson told Cherwell that the asbestos “is being managed safely, in line with regulations, and we are confident this means no building users have been put at any risk”, with regular air monitoring providing “an ongoing assurance” to the University. The spokesperson added that the relocation from the Denys Wilkinson Building “will allow teaching to continue without disruption while we address the building’s longer-term issues”.
