Over the summer, 44 rooms on two floors of the College's Ross Wing were entirely refurbished. And today, Wednesday, 14 February 2018, the rooms are ready for occupation, much to the relief of staff and the excitement of those returning Members who have already arrived for the 2018 academic year. Tonight will be their first nights in brand new rooms.
Not only were the rooms entirely gutted before being rebuilt and equipped with new furniture, but a new fire safety system was installed, together with modern electrical and data cabling.
The old sash windows were retrofitted with double glazing and all rooms have been well-insulated. LED lighting was installed throughout including the corridors which will also received fresh wallpaper. New carpet was laid in each bedroom too.
The first stage of the refurbishment programme began in the summer of 2015/16 when the old coal boiler in the basement was decommissioned and replaced by a medium temperature hot water system. Stage 2 occurred during the 2016/17 summer and involved refurbishing 19 rooms on the first floor.
The present refurbishment completes Stage 3, with the fourth and final stage (41 bedrooms) scheduled for the summer of 2018/19.
The College took advantage of the scaffolding that was put up outside the Ross Wing to also do some much needed maintenance and paint work on the exterior of the building.
Some photos of the completed rooms and the exterior of the Ross Wing are included with this article.
The College eagerly awaits arrival day on Saturday, 17 February.
(Story by the Master, Dr Charles Tustin)
