Old Court project
Key updates
Phase 2 - Scaffolding update w/c 21st April 2025
- The programme (see graphic below) for removal of scaffolding has continued throughout April and will intensify over the coming weeks.
- The temporary roof on A-C range has been cleared and the first sections of the scaffolding has been removed (hurrah, see photo).
- It is planned that the lawned area outside the chapel will be handed back to the College during the w/c 12th May for complete renovation by the Gardening team.
- There will be increased movement of scaffolding tubes through the College grounds although this will be limited to the shortest route, including via the construction compound in Front Court. This also brings the return of the noise from the 'impact drivers', used to undo the scaffolding bolts.
- The removal will then continue along D range round to E, where both sides of the roof should be clear of scaffolding by the end of September 2025.
- King's College have agreed to the removal of scaffolding from their land as soon as is achievable during the summer months.
- The removal of the remaining scaffolding will follow this.
- Scaffolding tours will resume on Thursdays after the Easter vacation. To register interest please use the 'Share your feedback' button at the bottom of the page.
Phase 2 - Structural works progress
- The reslating and dressing with lead of the roof on A-C range is complete, including C Arch.
- The reslating above D range, including the corner facing King's College Chapel has been completed ready for the application of lead dressing. This process will then continue along D-E range.
- The timber restructuring of the guttering from A around to the junction with E and F is complete, with extensive lead lining installed over this wooden framework.
- E-F range: a temporary lifting frame and beam have been installed, affixed to the overhead scaffolding, to allow a repair to two of the damaged tie beams. These works commenced in March and will continue for several weeks.
- F-G-H ranges: Repair works above the Master's Lodge and G Attic have been designed and components manufactured. An example is shown of a major steel reinforcement to a tie beam above the Master's Lodge. Two more of these are to be installed along G-F range. This will create extra noise disturbance from next week.
- Masonry cleaning, now evident where the scaffolding has been removed, will continue across the remaining ranges.
- The construction site will be operating on some Saturdays, the next scheduled date being 26th April when lead dressing will be applied above D and E ranges. There will be no scaffolding removal on this day.
Recap
Phase 1a was completed in October 2020 after 2 years’ work, and comprised re-roofing of the North Range as well as modernisation of the Porters’ Lodge, refurbishment of facilities in the basements of E and G staircases and student rooms in A and B staircases, a new fire escape, the rewiring of C staircase and the construction of a new plant room.
Phase 1b saw the construction of the River Room café; new steps with a concealed lift to the North Range to allow full accessibility to all the main spaces of Old Court (for the first time in the College’s history); the refitting of the main College kitchens; and the construction of a new three-storey extension in the North Passage incorporating a new servery area, toilet and accessible facilities, a lift and fire escape.
Is this website helpful?
If you have any further questions please email OldCourtPhase2@clare.cam.ac.uk
Built with Shorthand