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Frequently asked questions: Radcliffe Observatory Campaign Phase 1

The work on the window restoration programme remains in full swing, this complex and labour-intensive undertaking has taken over the top floors of the Observatory.

The college has confirmed its intention to proceed with Phase 1c of the Radcliffe Observatory project to complete leadwork, stone and rainwater goods repairs, and install a new roof light above the central stairwell. As a consequence, the scaffolding will remain in place well into 2027. The new Lodge is now set to open following completion of the project next summer – once access is fully restored, including with new ramps to both northern doors into the college gardens.

During the works there will be some unavoidable operational impacts on rooms within the building during the course of the works. Further information on these impacts is provided below.

Last updated 21 September 2026

Key dates to note:

  • The Common Room, William Gibson Room, Fellows’ Room and Tower will be closed from 6 July until 6 October, with no access to upper floors during this period.
  • An internal scaffold has been erected in the Observatory foyer and central stairwell and will remain in place until approximately the end of the year
  • The external scaffold will remain in place well into 2027, likely to around April time
  • The ramps to the north entrance will commence once the main scaffold is removed and the ramp work is likely be completed by the end of April 2027.  This work will prohibit the use of the main north entrance to the Observatory, more details around how this will affect the use of the building will be communicated.

Questions

Will I still be able to book in for lunches?

Yes this remains the same, except for the dining room having limited natural light due to the scaffoldingn which will remain in place until well into 2027.

What alternatives are there to the Common room?

The Stables bar and Gallery can be used as an informal space, as well as the Gardens and Quads.  The coffee machine in the Gallery is available for all to use.

Will student suppers be affected?

No, these will continue to be held in the dining as usual, except for the dates and disruption mentioned above.

If the upper floors are closed, where will pre-dinner drinks and after-dinner coffee be served?

Subject to weather conditions, the gardens will be utilised where possible; otherwise, drinks receptions will be hosted in the Bar. Formal Hall dinners during this period, the post-dinner coffee service will be temporarily suspended

How will the internal scaffold in the foyer affect access to the rooms in the Observatory?

This scaffolding is quite imposing as you enter the Observatory, however you can still access all rooms as usual, there is just less space in the foyer.  Please note that wheelchair access to both the dining room and the toilet remains

If I live in the Doll Building and find it really noisy, what can I do?

There might be some noise and it might be intermittent. Free earplugs are available at the lodge or you can borrow a set of noise cancelling earphones.

Can I access the coffee machine in the common room?

Members will need to use the coffee machine in the Stables Gallery until 6 October when the common room re-opens

Can I use the music equipment?

The rotunda reopens 22 September and can be booked here for use in the evenings from 5pm

Can I still bring guests to lunch or dinners?

Yes, of course. You might want to prewarn them that at some points the dining room might feel a little different.

Are the toilets still available in the foyer of the ground floor?

Yes, the toilets remain open when the building is in use

What time of day will there be noise?

It might be intermittent during the day. Whilst the scaffold is being built, the noise might be a little worse, but once the scaffold is up, the noise should be minimal.

Will it be noisy at weekends?

The contractors should stick to the working hours of Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00. On occasions, we may need to allow the contractors to work later in the day or at weekends, but we will try and give all residents notice.

Will I be able to use the gardens?

Yes, the main lawn area will be open, but the small lawn areas next to the Observatory will be fenced off by the contractor to ensure the safety of the community.