Restoring the Stirling Building

Visual showing the refurbished Stirling Building, credit BDP

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.  The main construction works are due to begin in May 2026. Completion is planned for 2028. 

The erection of the tower crane took place over the weekend of 16 and 17 May. The crane has a GPS tracker to  ensure that the load does not extend over the site boundary. The May 2026 project newsletter has more information about the crane installation and crane safety. 

Map showing cycle and pedestrian routes around the Sidgwick site whilst the Stirling Project is underway

There are changes to the cycling and pedestrian access around the Sidgwick site for the duration of the project. The map above shows the routes through and around the site whilst the construction work is carried out, and the areas that will be closed off. These routes will remain in place for the duration of the project until the building reopens. This map will be on the hoardings as well as other signage along the routes. The bin store has been relocated to next to the Faculty of Music. 

All staff and students have moved out of the Stirling building. The Seeley Library, and its collections, moved out of the Stirling building in December 2024 into a dedicated and newly designed space within the University Library where it will remain until work on the Stirling Building is complete. 

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. A map is available to help students and staff to locate these spaces. A modular temporary two-storey building (next to Sidgwick Lodge and behind the Austin Robinson building) provides a physical hub for the Faculty of History’s administration and student support. 

Project Charter

A Project Charter has been developed which sets the shared goals, challenges, success measures, and expected behaviours for all involved. 

Stay informed

Read the May 2026 newsletter from the main building contractor SDC. If you have any queries or questions or would like to be kept informed about this project please email Stirling Project.

 April 2026 newsletter (PDF)

March 2026 newsletter (PDF)

February 2026 project newsletter (PDF)

December 2025 project newsletter (PDF)

November 2025 project newsletter (PDF)

October 2025 project newsletter (PDF)

Planning permission and listed building consent, for the building refurbishment was granted at the end of May 2025.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.

Site address

Sidgwick Site, Cambridge CB3 9DA

Size

5,200 m² 

Total Cost

£78.9m 

Project Leader

Matt Stafford

Contractor

SDC Builders

Architect

BDP

Status

Work started in May 2026
Due to be completed in 2028

More information

Read more about the building restoration project.

Find out more about the building and its history on the Faculty of History website and in this news feature.