University of Oxford library set for £10m upgrade

It is the third and final phase of work at St John’s College, with the Old Library and Laudian Library set for a range of upgrades.

Work is expected to be finished by early 2023, and will include joinery, stonework, and electrical work.

Timberwork will also be restored, including carvings, cartouches and heraldic shields.

The north end of the Laudian Library. Picture: Wright & Wright Architects LLP

Construction company Beard has been appointed to carry out the work, having previously completed the first stage of the project.

Zoe Hancock, principal bursar at St John’s College, said: “This is a very important project for St John’s College and a site which sits at the heart of the college.

“We’re pleased to see Beard back on site for this final stage of the library project, following their successful work at a previous phase.

“A site of such national importance requires sensitive handling and a high calibre of expertise and quality of work which we are confident Beard will be able to deliver.”

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The college’s Paddy Room will be remodelled after undergoing refurbishment in the 1970s.

Rooms that existed previously will be reinstated and used as teaching areas, which was the original purpose for them.

Dean Averies, Oxford director for Beard, said it was the company’s job to ensure future generations of students form an attachment to the library.

The west side of the Old Library. Picture: Wright & Wright Architects LLP

He added: “This is an incredibly prestigious building to be working on and our previous experience of working on phase one of the refurbishment means we are well placed to complete the piece.

“As a construction firm, we have always been very aware that a building is much more than just a building – they are spaces for learning, working and living.

“Generations of students and academics have formed an emotional attachment with this very important space, and it’s our job to ensure future generations do the same.

“Working on a Grade I listed site has its own challenges, and of course there are the ongoing restrictions due to coronavirus.

“But we have a lot of experience of working on this kind of site in Oxford, and elsewhere.

“We have also established best practice to ensure all our sites are Covid-secure as wherever we work, we always want our people to get home safely.”

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is an alumnus of St John’s, studying law before he became a barrister.

The Old Library was built between 1596 and 1598, and was the first Oxford college library to include upright bookcases right from the start, with seats and desks between them instead of the low lecterns that furnished medieval libraries.