At Hertford College in the heart of Oxford, we are delivering an extraordinary library redevelopment where engineering, archaeology, and heritage meet.
Senior Project Manager Peter Beilby is leading our work on the scheme, creating new archive spaces, reading rooms and library facilities for the college.
Working closely with Oxford Archaeology, the team is excavating a new basement within the historic quad – extending directly beneath the 17th-century Chapel. Temporary works, including a series of needles, securely support the Chapel while existing foundations are carefully removed. Over 200 monitoring points track vibration and movement to ensure no disturbance to surrounding buildings.
A 1960s-1970s extension has been meticulously demolished by hand, making way for a new basement that links three existing ones. Above this will rise a modern extension featuring a new staircase and roof terrace.
Nearby, an 1820s building is being refurbished with a new through-floor lift at varying levels, significantly improving accessibility across the quad and college.
All excavation – reaching 4-5 metres deep – proceeds under strict archaeological control. After initial mechanical topsoil removal, archaeologists hand-excavate, revealing remarkable finds from the site's past on former Cat Street, once home to artisan trades.
Highlights include a polished 500-year-old glass magnifying glass and metal bookbinding clasps, offering glimpses into medieval book production near the Bodleian.
As Peter reflects: “I’ve been lucky to work on a number of great projects over the last couple of years, but I think this is going to be the pinnacle.”
This project demonstrates our expertise in sensitive heritage environments, delivering modern, accessible spaces that honour the college’s rich history while meeting future academic needs.
Learn more about the project in a video update with Peter here.
