Old Court project

Key updates - 29/01/2026

Phase 2 - Countdown to completion

  • Hoarding to the site compound has been removed as the first stage of clearing Old Court of the remaining scaffolding.
  • The scaffolding bridge between Front Court and King's College has been removed following the clearance of scaffolding from the King's College site, with the original railings reinstated.
  • The programme is underway for the reinstatement of the fourth lawn within Old Court and of the gardens in Front Court once the compounds have been removed completely. The Scholars' Garden will be the last compound to go.
  • In response to the cold weather delay, work is being undertaken on Saturdays in order to catch up.
  • The final slate was fixed to the roof on 28th January (see photo). How many slates do you think have been laid in total during Phase 2? The closest answer earns a souvenir slate. Submit your answer by Friday 6th February!
  • Lead dressing will be completed over the coming few days, with the intention of removing the remaining scaffolding roof from w/c 9th February.
  • Scaffolding removal continues through Old Court and out onto Trinity Lane this term. Please remain vigilant.
  • The room handback programme continued through January, with final handover in early February.
  • The programme to refurbish E Staircase continues on schedule, ready for inspection in the second week of February.

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.

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If you have any further questions please email OldCourtPhase2@clare.cam.ac.uk

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