The Clerk of Works Department has been very busy this summer. Some things were quite disrupted so thank you for your patience. You might not have heard about all the projects that happened, so here’s a quick look at what’s been going on behind the scenes. Click on the images for captions.
Chapel Survey works
Our conservators carried out an in-depth survey of the chapel at the start of the summer vacation. This included the installation of a full bird cage scaffolding to allow access to the intricate plaster ceiling and the painting. This is the first stage in the full conservation of the chapel which is likely to start in 2026.
Boathouse refurbishment
A much-needed refurbishment of the College Boathouse was caried out over the summer. Externally we replaced broken paving and decorated the full exterior of the building. We also repaired all three sets of external staircases, replacing all the stair treads and repairing the supporting stringer including the full replacing of the stringers to one staircase. In the boat bay we installed one new sets of racks for the boats. We also carried out a full refurbishment of the club house. A new shower with changing room and an additional smaller changing room were added. The toilets, toilet cubicles, and sinks were replaced. One of the internal walls was removed to make a large space for training and socialising with new flooring installed throughout.
Back Quad renewed heating pipework for the Upper and Lower libraries
At the start of this year the heating in the Upper and Lower libraries stopped working. After investigation, it was thought that the cause must have been a leak in the heating pipework which comes from the basement of Back Quad five across Back Quad to the library. The entire length of the heating pipework from Back Quad five to the library was replaced during August and the start of September. The works were very disruptive as large areas of Back Quad were barriered off.
Carrodus Quad Western Elevation
The Queen’s Lane elevation of Carrodus Quad was repainted including the signage, gates, gutters and down pipes, and windows. The windows and gutters were also repaired where necessary. Roof repairs to the section of roof above the elevation were carried out while the scaffolding was in situ.
Carrodus Quad six ensuite refresh
Using our in-house tradespeople, we refreshed six of the ensuite bathrooms in Carrodus Quad. This included decorating the rooms, new flooring, new lighting, and new accessories.
Back Quad rooms
During September we started room refurbishments in Back Quad with rooms one and two in staircase one. These rooms had new ensuite bathrooms fitted, new flooring, new light fittings and were fully redecorated. It is also planned that the rooms will have new furniture and curtains, to be fitted at a later date. The rest of Back Quad one will be refurbished before the start of Trinity Term 2026.
Drawda Hall completion of rewire works
The remaining five rooms in FQ1a and five rooms in Drawda Hall were rewired. Where needed, new carpet was installed. The making good and decoration following on from these works is ongoing.
Cardo bathroom refurbishment
One of the bathrooms on the second floor was completely refurbished with all new fixtures and fittings, decoration, and flooring.
St Aldates House ensuites
Continuing on from the works over the past year, four of the ensuite bathrooms in St Aldates House were completely refurbished. New toilets, showers, and sinks were fitted, along with new lighting and flooring.
Oxley Wright re-roof
The roof at Oxley Wright has been completely striped. New roofing membrane and tile batons were installed and retiled. Work has now started on the external decoration of all timber elements, such as soffits, bargeboards and windows, as well as the gutters and downpipes. Any repairs to these will also be carried out prior to decoration.
SCR Staircase
The new carpet on the SCR staircase was installed.
Work has also been carried out at a number of Fellows’ houses as well as renovations to Fellows’ rooms in College, and the Provost’s Lodgings.