After almost 60 years of continuous use, the Grade II* listed History Faculty building, designed by James Stirling, is showing significant signs of wear. A refurbishment is required to safeguard the building for future generations and meet the 21st Century needs of the University, the Faculty of History and the Seeley Library.
Planning permission and listed building consent, for the building refurbishment was granted at the end of May. The main construction works will begin in November 2025, subject to University approval of the Full Business Case.
View the public consultation presentation boards
Find out more about the building and its history on the Faculty of History website.
Getting ready for the work
All staff and students have now moved out of the Stirling building and enabling works have started on site. Over the summer these will include asbestos surveys and removal. The hoardings, which will be around the building whilst the work is carried out, will be put up in the second half of August.
The Seeley Library, and its collections, moved out of the Stirling building in December 2024 and is now open in a dedicated and newly designed space within the University Library until work on the Stirling Building is complete.
A modular temporary two-storey building (325sqm) next to Sidgwick Lodge, behind the Austin Robinson building provides a physical hub for the Faculty of History’s administration and student support. Space in buildings on the Sidgwick site and in neighbouring colleges, will provide seminar, study and lecture space for history staff and students whilst the building is closed. We are working on a map showing these locations which will be ready for the start of the new academic year.
Project Charter
A Project Charter has been developed which sets the shared goals, challenges, success measures, and expected behaviours for all involved.
Changes to access
Access to the rear of the Buttery and Economics is restricted. The gate behind the Austin Robinson building is shut and the six parking bays are closed. There is no through route for vehicles to the West Road end. This has closed off the pedestrian and cycle route along the rear of the Austin Robinson building, meaning the only access past the temporary building is for the deliveries to the Austin Robinson building. The fire exit routes from the Buttery and Economics are accessible for emergency use at all times, the route for Austin Robinson building has moved to the Stirling building side of the gate. Access to the bike sheds and pedestrian access for deliveries to the Buttery is maintained.
Site bins have been relocated next to the Buttery gate and remain accessible from within the site. The wood skips are also next to the bins in this area. Lamp coffins (for disposal of used fluorescent lighting) are located next to the bins by the Buttery gate.
These changes are expected to remain in place for the duration of the project until the building reopens. Signage has been installed along the affected routes to advise site users and show alternatives, including the cross-site pedestrian and cycling route behind the POLIS and Law buildings.
The plan below shows some of the changes.
Stay informed
If you have any queries or questions or would like to be kept informed about this project please email Stirling.Project@admin.cam.ac.uk
The planning application and listed building consent (25/00638/FUL and 25/00639/LBC) can be accessed from the Greater Cambridge Planning website
Site occupants and neighbours will be notified in advance of any noisy works scheduled during term time.