Old Court project
Key updates
Phase 2 - Scaffolding update 10th July 2025
- The removal of scaffolding over C Arch completed on 27th June including the removal of the final section of hoarding encroaching upon the Chapel lawn, which will be returfed shortly.
- Progress with the roof works above H range remains on track with approximately three days of tiling required to complete the river side above the Master's Lodge.
- During July and into August, window and stone renovation will be undertaken on both sides of H and G ranges before the scaffolding starts to be removed.
- The scaffolding removal programme is summarised on the infographic below.
- To register your interest in a rooftop tour over the summer before most of the scaffolding goes, please use the 'Share your feedback' button at the bottom of the page. Current sign ups are being processed, please look out for an email in your inbox.
Phase 2 - Structural works progress
- Rooms C5 and C6 were handed back to the College on 20th June, along with Rooms D8a and D9. The next rooms to return are D10 and D11 in August.
- The major repairs to all of the damaged tie beams will be completed by the end of July. These complex structural works have progressed well and their completion will represent a significant milestone, allowing the rest of the roofing works to accelerate.
- G-H ranges: the noisy roof repair works above the Master's Lodge and G Attic continue. Substantial disturbance of the internal decor of room H1, and externally to H2 and H4 will be rectified through refurbishment over the summer.
- The window frames under repair in E Range, exemplify the carpentry approach required to retain as much original fabric of the Old Court building, rather than simply stripping out the damaged windows and replacing them with modern replica units.
An example of an existing window frame being reconditioned.
An example of an existing window frame being reconditioned.
Reconditioned internal rainwater trough (work in progress).
Reconditioned internal rainwater trough (work in progress).
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