West Wing Undergoing Remediation

The West Wing

Having received planning permission, contractor Morgan Sindall is now moving into the next exciting phase of the West Wing Remediation -- the start of construction. Work will begin on Monday, 8 August and last until September 2023. 

The removal of the Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) and the installation of the new aluminium surrounds to the building's windows will cause periodic disruption on site, particularly to users of the building. With that in mind, the College has decided to close the building, with the exception of the Library, for the 2022/23 academic year.  

Whilst the work is not expected to take a full year to complete, this timeframe will allow us to make suitable arrangements for accommodation and events. The College will also be able to address other concerns with how the building operates whilst it is empty.   

As agreed in the earlier consultations with the St John’s Residents’ Association Committee (SJRAC), the College, Contractor and Project Team are committed to open communication with the neighbours and would like to inform you of our next steps. 

After the successful trial, the WhatsApp messaging service will be used to communicate to SJRAC any disruptions and/or weekly updates on key deliveries. 

Some key dates to be aware of, are: 

  • Monday, 8 August 2022 – Morgan Sindall start on site. Work will begin on the Oriel Bay (currently scaffolded) within the College Quad with their site entrance being through the gate on Pusey Street.  

  • Monday, 19 September 2022 – Pusey Street scaffolding and hoarding installed  

  • Monday, 14 November 2022 – Pusey Lane scaffolding and hoarding installed  

  • April-May 2023 – Pusey Street scaffolding removal  

  • July-Aug 2023 – Pusey Lane scaffolding removal  

  • Monday, 18 September 2023 – Target completion date 

This is a major project and for College members it means the West Quad will largely be out of bounds, there will be no bops nor a Ball, bike storage will be shut for the year (including to South Wing residents) and College events will be limited to other communal area.  

However, the Library will remain open, with soundproofing installed to limit excessive noise. 

Whilst it has taken time to find a permanent solution to the issues with the window surrounds, the College team is confident that the right solution and contractor have been found. We look forward to being able to enjoy the building for many years to come – and to a proper re-opening event in due course.    

For more details, please visit the College’s page dedicated to the West Wing Works