The construction work on the Radcliffe Science Library building and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory is continuing after some delays during the Covid-19 pandemic. The library is now scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2023.
The completed building will house Reuben College, the Radcliffe Science Library (currently operating from a temporary home in the Vere Harmsworth Library) and the Oxford University Museums Collections, Teaching and Research Centre (CTRC).
The site consists of:
- The Jackson and Worthington wings of the Radcliffe Science Library building (Grade II listed)
- Part of the current Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- A two-storey basement area
The works in process involve:
- Enabling works, including the removal of asbestos
- Refurbishment of internal spaces to create flexible and modern library facilities in support of science and medicine in Oxford
- External landscaping including the reinstatement of lawn area and dinosaur footprints outside the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
- Waterproofing of the two-storey basement area
Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd are the Principal Contractor for the works.
Images of the Radcliffe Science Library before work commenced:
- Level 7
- Level 7 (360 degrees)
- Level 8 (360 degrees)
- Level 6 (360 degrees)
- Level 2 (Lankester Room – 360 degrees)
- Portraits packed up before going into storage
- Entrance Hall with chairs from upper floors
Images of work in progress (courtesy of Morgan Sindall):
- Ground Floor Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory with roof removed for new lift link
- Ground floor Jackson Wing – ready for asbestos removal
- Waterproofing of basement levels – New Quad
UPDATE: More images of work in progress (courtesy of Morgan Sindall) – added 27 June 2022:
- Abbot’s Kitchen after asbestos strip
- Drainage works in trench
- Jackson Wing 1st floor – one coat of lime plaster on stonework walls
- Jackson Wing 2nd floor – finished coat of lime plaster