The College’s ambitious programme of work to deliver exemplar facilities which can respond to the dynamic nature of Science Education has reached another milestone.
Following the opening of our Beko Innovation Centre in April 2021, the first phase of work on the main Science Department buildings has been completed. Contractors have finished the extensive renovation of the North Block which currently houses Physics and have created a new glass link building which offers new flexible learning spaces. The new link building will on completion of the project provide step-free access to the whole Science building.
The next phase of work on the South Block will see the construction of five new teaching laboratories, preparation rooms and a two-storey greenhouse for Biology, along with enhanced circulation space.
Work has already started to strip the building back to the existing concrete frame structure, remove windows and roof coverings and take all furnishings back to brick. Sustainability is a driving principle which is why we are re-modelling the older building rather than demolishing it. Renewable energy sources will power the building via the installation of 100 solar panels to the roof which will provide consumption data to a smart screen in the building.
The plan is for work on the South Block to be completed by the end of this year so that the final phase of the overall project, the full refurbishment of the listed Newton Building, can begin in the Lent Term 2024.
