Old Court project
Key updates
Phase 2 - Scaffolding update 3rd February 2025
- The removal of scaffolding is expected to start at the end of March from the A stair corner, extending towards C stair by Easter term.
- This returns to Old Court the first of its four grass squares which can then be returfed.
- A planning meeting with King's College is scheduled for early February to agree the time frame for removing the scaffolding on their premises towards the end of the summer.
- The overall programme requires all of the scaffolding to have been removed by the end of December 2025.
- Weekly scaffolding tours resume this month on a Thursday morning, usually at 11am. To register your interest please use the 'Share your feedback' button at the bottom of the page.
Phase 2 - Structural works progress
- The reslating of roof on A-C range is nearing completion (see photo).
- The refurbished rooms A5, B4, D7a and D7b are being handed back to the College on 14th February.
- D-E range repair and replacement of load bearing lintels continues, including more surveys. Designs to the repairs of the tie beams on this range are being completed.
- F-G-H ranges: the specialist timber survey has been completed following the exposure of the roof. The design of the repairs required are being finalised.
- Masonry cleaning and repair continues across all ranges.
- An additional team of leadworkers has been deployed from the start of this week to accelerate this stage of the reroofing.
D Range: extensive carpentry cladding to window dormer cheeks and main gutter prior to lead dressing
D Range: extensive carpentry cladding to window dormer cheeks and main gutter prior to lead dressing
D Range: felt and battening being covered by reclaimed Collyweston slates, refurbished (dressed) and returned to resume service on the roof
D Range: felt and battening being covered by reclaimed Collyweston slates, refurbished (dressed) and returned to resume service on the roof
Above C Arch: exposed old timbers with new carpentry above forming the roof to the arch with the modern “Velux type” glazing replacing its 1960s era predecessor
Above C Arch: exposed old timbers with new carpentry above forming the roof to the arch with the modern “Velux type” glazing replacing its 1960s era predecessor
Above G Arch: a monolithic group patiently waiting for their spring clean
Above G Arch: a monolithic group patiently waiting for their spring clean
Gardens
- As the photos show, the river beds have progressed well, offering a variety of flora and fauna throughout the summer and into the autumn, a visual tribute to the remarkable reinstatement work of this former building site.
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