Major refurbishment works on our new home are now well underway, with Morgan Sindall Construction the company selected to deliver the major programme of works.
The redevelopment project was commissioned jointly by a partnership of Reuben College with the Bodleian Libraries, which includes the Radcliffe Science Library and is the largest university library system in the UK, and the four University museums – Ashmolean Museum, History of Science Museum, Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum.
The project includes work to expand, renovate and reconfigure the Grade II listed Radcliffe Science Library to create fully accessible, flexible spaces for the college’s Common Room and areas for quiet study, group meetings and social occasions. It will also upgrade the library facilities and refurbish the two-level basement to serve as a high-quality storage and teaching facility for museum collections. Two adjoining buildings, the Abbot’s Kitchen (a chemistry laboratory built in the 1850s, modelled on the homonymous room at Glastonbury Abbey) and the west wing of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, will also be converted into meeting rooms, a full commercial kitchen and a large dining hall for college members.
Official Fellow Catriona Cannon, who is the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the project Project, said:
“Morgan Sindall Construction impressed us from the start with their enthusiasm and commitment to the vision underpinning this project. We are delighted to be working with them, and confident that they will deliver our refurbished buildings with 21st century facilities in a way that is sensitive to their historic surroundings.”
James York, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, added:
“The RSL is steeped in history; both the building itself and the invaluable knowledge and records contained within its books, manuscripts and museum collections. Our work will ensure they can be preserved and displayed for years to come, while also serving as an inspiration to the next generation of post-graduate students studying in the first Oxbridge college to be established in three decades.”
The construction works have started after well over a year of active planning with architectural firm fjmt, who developed the design proposals, and CPC Project Services, who provide specialist project management on behalf of the University’s Estates Directorate.
The works will be completed in autumn 2021, in time for the arrival of the inaugural cohort of Reuben College students.
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