Moving beyond the temporary: the reopening of the Hall
After years of adaptation, temporary structures, and behind-the-scenes logistics, St Catz is beginning a significant next step in its campus recovery: the removal of the temporary kitchen and dining facilities introduced during the RAAC works, and the return to the Hall.
From late March and into April, the College will carefully dismantle the PKL kitchen units and the FEWS dining hall structure, facilities that have played a vital role in keeping day-to-day College life running.
The programme involves a tightly coordinated sequence of works, with each stage designed to minimise disruption while ensuring a smooth transition back to permanent facilities. While much of this work will happen behind the scenes, the removal of these temporary structures marks a shift away from contingency and towards restoration.
It is also a moment to recognise the extraordinary effort that has sustained College life throughout this period. From catering teams adapting to entirely new working environments, to Estates and operational colleagues managing complex logistics day in, day out, this phase has only been possible because of the people behind it.
As the Master, Jude kelly, reflects: “There’s something quietly powerful about this moment. These temporary spaces carried us through a challenging period, and their removal marks not just an operational step, but a return to the kind of shared, everyday experience that defines College life. It’s a testament to the resilience and commitment of our community. We can be confidentally optimistic about our future.”
As work continues across the estate, the focus now turns to the next phase of renewal, restoring, enhancing and investing in the College’s spaces for the long term, ensuring they support the community for years to come.
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Imagery: Rasmus Hjortshøj