Wolfson College Record 2021

dining which strikes so many of the intellectual sparks between disciplines,
students and academics, as well as the academic events and other hospitality
that are so important to College life. We have also allowed for an increase in
expenditure on student support and well-being as part of our plans to move into
the post-Covid era whilst recognising the impact on individuals of the difficult last
15 months.
There will no doubt be bumps along the way, and the main worry for our
investment portfolio is that a market correction, possibly overdue, might be
triggered by any return of inflation when the global economy gathers pace.
However, we feel well prepared and resilient to face any such turmoil.
This summer saw substantial work begin on the estate, including the new electric
air-pump heating systems, and the start of the window replacement programme.
We will also replace our Marble Hall lift, which has broken down so often in the
last few years, and resurface the courtyards around the families’ accommodation.
introduction
Thanks to one of our generous donors, we have also begun to design a new
sports and wellbeing centre, and we look forward to sharing these plans with you
in due course. Funds are not yet available to build the new gymnasium, but we will
continue to work on this and other aspirations over the coming year.
We are also currently in discussions with finance experts regarding the building
of a new 49-room block of high standard living accommodation for students and
Fellows on the site of the south car park. We are hopeful that we will be able
to finance this important new development from the rental income that these
additional rooms will generate over the next thirty years. We look forward to
sharing more details of this exciting project in due course, and to the prospect of
an even greater number of students and Fellows being able to live in College and
enjoy the full Wolfson experience during their time in Oxford.
16
college record 2021