At the end of April 2022, contractors arrived on site to start work on the St Andrew’s Project. As we reach the mid-point of the renovation works, we caught up briefly with Mark Hurrell, Feltham’s Site Manager, to check on the progress that has been made so far.
FROM RESTORATION…
The restoration of the historic building of St Andrew’s is now nearing its successful completion. The old timbers have been repaired and treated, stonework re-pointed and the building has a new roof in place. The remaining scaffolding that is surrounding the clock tower will begin to come down as we approach the summer and we can look forward to the return of the clock to its rightful place thereafter. The mechanism has now been fully restored and returned to full working order under the skilled team at the Cumbria Clock Company and the rusty and weather-beaten dials have also been restored and re-gilded and look fantastic.
Throughout the project great care has been taken to respect the natural eco-system of the site. The new immaculately tiled roof comprises specially modified tiles that give bats access to their roosts.
… TO TRANSFORMATION
Now the work of transforming the space, created by the restoration work, into an inspirational learning environment for future generations of Bradfieldians is underway.
INTERNAL FRAMEWORK
Inside of the building the new form is now emerging. The twin frameworks for South and North aisle mezzanines are now in place and the framework for the new single-floor level is spreading. Hidden beneath it are a multitude of services and cables whilst at the same time the original tiling is protected. This single ground level will create a modern, accessible environment.
EXTERNAL LINK BUILDING
The concrete framework of the link building has been standing patiently waiting for the other elements of the project to advance sufficiently before it could be united with the main St Andrew’s building. The Rose Window on this wall has been successfully removed for repair in preparation for the new entrance which is now being made through the South Transept wall. From there the new structure of the link building will emerge.
The construction project is due to be completed towards the end of this year at which point the site will be handed back to the College and the internal fit-out can begin, in anticipation of the building being ready for use in Spring 2024.
For more information about the St Andrew’s Project, click the link below. If you would like to speak with someone about the project do contact our Philanthropy Lead, Kirsty Perkinson on kperkinson@www.bradfieldcollege.org.uk or call 0118 964 4846.
