Frequently asked questions: Radcliffe Observatory Campaign Phase 1

With the first phase of the landscaping project on the south elevation is nearly complete and should be finished within the next few weeks the next phase of window repairs is coming into focus.

From 23 March, scaffolding will begin to go up around the north side of the building (the college gardens side), so there will be increased activity in this area. The scaffolding will then move around to the south (Humanities side) in late April, with the full structure expected to be in place by the end of June.

Last updated 20 March 2026

Questions

Will I still be able to book in for lunches?

Yes this remains the same, except for the dining room having no natural light for a few weeks in July and August and then the dining room is closed completely from 22nd August until 15th September, when normal lunches will resume.

Will student suppers be affected?

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

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?

Yes until early July and then members will need to use the coffee machine in the Stables until October.

Can I use the music equipment?

Most of the equipment is in storage until the rotunda reopens. As soon as we have a date for this, we will inform the community.

Can I still bring guests into 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 when the dining room is open, so will the toilets.

Will the Ball or other student events be affected?

Events already booked into the calendar will not be affected, except for the visual impact of scaffold around the Observatory, so please bear this in mind.

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 16:00s. 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. The southern lawns in front of the Observatory will be open to all from mid-April.