Frequently asked questions: Radcliffe Observatory Campaign Phase 1

The work on the window restoration programme is in full swing, this complex and labour-intensive undertaking has taken over the top floors of the Observatory and will soon move into the dining room at the end of August.

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 12 August 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.
• The Grzeslo Dining Room will also be unavailable from 6 July until lunchtime on 15 September. The Events office will also not be in use at this time – please email or Teams the Events department during this time.
• The kitchens will require an additional week of summer closure to facilitate repair and refurbishment of the kitchen windows. As a result, there will be no dining service from 21 August until 14 September and lunch service will resume on 15 September .
• An internal scaffold will be erected in the Observatory foyer and central stairwell during August and will remain in place for some months.
• The external scaffold will remain in place well into 2027
• 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 scaffolding until well into 2027.   The the dining room is closed completely from 21 August until 15 September, when normal lunches will resume.

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 to use apart from the catering closedown period (21 August – 14 September)

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

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 in September

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, when the dining room is open, however from mid-July the toilet window will be blocked off, meaning the main sink will not be accessible. During this time, only the main larger toilet will be in operation which has its own sink and dryer.

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.