Wolfson Foundation awards £400,000 towards Library refurbishment
St Catherine’s College is delighted to announce that the Wolfson Foundation has awarded a grant of £400,000 towards the works required to replace the Library roof due to the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) throughout the original Grade-1 listed buildings.
The renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen drew up the plans for St Catherine’s in the late 1950s, specifying RAAC to be used across the roofing structures as it was considered a lightweight ‘wonder material’ of the time.
However, since September 2023 the Wolfson Library, along with much of the original Jacobsen estate, has been closed to students following risk assessments prompted by changes in published guidance from The Institute of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
Catz has worked hard to minimise the disruption on student academic and cultural life, and the first phase of the significant building works required is now nearing completion. This award is directed towards the Wolfson Library, which will form the next phase of the works.
Our Master, Jude Kelly CBE, says: “We are honoured and deeply grateful for this award, as it builds upon the extraordinary generosity of the Wolfson family which enabled the original construction of the Library.
Since it opened in 1962, countless students and staff have benefitted from the tranquil and inspiring setting. This award will help us undertake the works required to restore this modernist architectural masterpiece to full use, preserving the heritage of Jacobsen’s iconic design.”
Paul Ramsbottom OBE, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, adds: “We are delighted to continue our longstanding involvement with St Catherine’s College, a relationship that began in Alan Bullock’s era with the funding of Jacobsen’s elegantly designed Library. The restoration of the roof will safeguard this important heritage and allow future generations of students and researchers to enjoy the Library and its collections.”
For more information on the College’s approach to addressing the RAAC challenge throughout our estate, please visit here.
To make a donation towards the College’s RAAC fund, please visit here.