Old Court project

Key updates - 18/12/2025

Phase 2 - Scaffolding & construction compound removal

  • The returfing of the third lawn (of the four) was completed on Friday 12th December.
  • The scaffolding from Front Court is being reduced following completion of the bell housing and walkway above C Arch. Lead flashing needs to be applied to the 'string courses' (ledges along the length of the facade). The remaining Front Court scaffolding and hoist will be removed progressively as this is completed, w/c 5th January 2026.
  • The construction site office has been dismantled and is being stored by the College for future use.
  • Further tidying up of Front Court is underway, prior to the reinstatement of the railings in front of King's College Chapel. This will be followed by the reinstatement of planting in Front Court and on King's meadow.
  • W/c 5th January 2026, scaffolding removal will resume through Old Court and out onto Trinity Lane. Please remain vigilant into the first part of Lent term.

Phase 2 - Structural works progress

  • The room handback programme has been rationalised into two tranches with 10 rooms scheduled for return in the first two weeks of January and 2 more due at the start of February 2026. A priority remains to have Room E5 available next, before the start of Lent Term.
  • Reinstatement work continues on the rooms in F Range and G Range where roof repairs have intruded.
  • The slating and lead dressing of the remaining sections of the roof is scheduled to be complete w/c 12th January 2026.

The construction site will close down at 4pm on Monday 22nd December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5th January 2026.

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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