Library Works

Hertford is creating a new library at the centre of college life – an inspiring space where students and academics come together to study, think and discover. It is scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2027.

Read on for the latest progress update on the building project.

29 May 2026:

Working outside and on the upper floors of the West Range in the heat has been challenging but good progress has been made this week. In the quad, the scaffold walkways have been adapted and construction of the upstands around the slab will continue into next week.

Underneath, striking the main ground floor slab falsework has commenced with back-propping replacing it.

The reinforcement installation for the basement slab in the former chapel and new extension is complete and concrete pouring is planned for Monday.

In the West Range, making good existing walls is continuing down the servants’ staircase and the main staircase. The carpenters have been fixing floorboards on the upper floors before they are sanded.

The electricians have commenced 2nd fixing of the lights and tracks. These will be tested and then switched off to preserve the lamps.

The underpinning within the lift pit is progressing well. The final survey of the lift shaft will be carried out on Monday to determine the new wall positions.