A Belfast-based contractor has been appointed to take forward construction plans at a historic Oxford college.

Planning permission was granted last year for the development of a new high-quality building at Trinity College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford. The building will provide teaching facilities, residential accommodation and a multi-purpose auditorium.

Gilbert-Ash has agreed a £17million design and build contract for the project, which will involve the construction of 45 new en-suite study bedrooms, five dedicated teaching rooms, three multi-purpose areas for music practice rooms, additional teaching rooms and a basement for plant and storage.

The new building will also be home to additional formal study spaces, a new reception area designed as an orangery overlooking the gardens and two additional student kitchens. There will be a kitchen to provide catering facilities, laundry and basement storage facilities, as well as male, female and gender-neutral bathrooms and ancillary accommodation.

-- Advertisement --

It has been designed in a classical manner with traditional materials being carefully considered to reflect the established architectural character elsewhere in the college. It will have stone-faced elevations finished in a honey coloured ashlar limestone to complement buildings across the college and ensure it sits comfortably with its historic setting.

Raymond Gilroy, Gilbert-Ash Construction Director, commented: "Gilbert-Ash is really pleased to be working on this major project for Trinity College. We are excited about the new building and what it will offer to the university community. We are in no doubt about the challenges which lie ahead, working in a tight location surrounded by listed buildings and grounds, but our team has the experience to meticulously plan for and work through any challenges which present themselves. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and work with our partners to deliver this prestigious project."

The contractor is working closely with Trinity College and the design team at Adam Architecture to ensure the project objectives are delivered to the highest possible standard.

Together they have addressed the structural challenges through the sub and superstructure strategies, which include contiguous piled basement retaining walls, internal load bearing piles with in-situ concrete basement and ground floor slabs. The superstructure will be an in-situ RC frame up to roof level with proprietary timber trusses and large concrete transfer beams at first and ground level to accommodate large open column free spaces.

The landmark project at Trinity College is scheduled for completion in August 2021.

(CM/JG)