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
There will be changes to the cycling and pedestrian access around the Sidgwick site for the duration of the project. The map on the right 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 behind the Faculty of Music.
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.