Oxford risks conflict as animal lab construction resumes
work on its new animal research laboratory complex, which had
previously been the subject of protest from animal rights activists
last summer.
The move by the academic institution is expected to rekindle the conflicts that plagued the construction of the biomedical facility, renewing the fight between activists determined to stop its construction, and the government-backed research industry.
Work on the £20 million complex began last week, with a new building contractor hired to complete the project, which has fallen well behind schedule. The university did not reveal details of the new construction company.
"The University remains firmly committed to the completion of this building which is part of an ongoing programme of replacing and updating existing laboratory space," said David Holmes, the University's registrar.
At a press conference announcing the resumption of work on the South Parks Road site, Holmes confirmed that construction costs would remain close to the £20 million budgeted previously. He refused to estimate additional security costs or say whether the government was contributing to these.
The level of intimidation and threats had reached a crescendo in July 2005 after one of the University's boathouses was damaged. More than 20 rowing boats were destroyed after arsonists broke into the building and doused it with petrol.
On 10 November 2004 the University was granted an injunction by the High Court to protect its members and those who may work on the building of its new biomedical research facility from possible intimidation or acts of violence from animal rights activists.
The facility was first considered ten years ago, where it had been in detailed planning for over five years. Phase one of the project was supposed to have been completed this Autumn.
Work stopped on the South Parks Road site in July 2004, when the University of Oxford and the Board of Montpellier agreed by mutual consent to conclude the contract between the University and Walter Lilly and Co for the construction of the biomedical research facility.
Animal rights group Speak, said that they were disappointed in the decision to resume work on the facility, arguing that the maiming, torture and murder of animals in the name of humanity would continue unabated with the construction of this new facility.
"This is just the beginning in the next stage of the battle," said a statement on its website.
"We must now redouble our efforts to defeat them (Oxford University, the pharmaceutical industry and the Government) once again," the statement added.
