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.
8 May 2026:
The new basement archive room has a roof! The ground floor podium slab has been poured this week. It will be left to cure sufficiently before striking the falsework underneath and removing the braces and thrust blocks above.
Under the former chapel, the concrete blinding and waterproof membranes have been laid ready for installation of the re-bar works which will form the new floor.
In the ‘extension’ area, insulation has been applied to the facing wall, along with the vertical waterproof membranes. The remaining archaeological features have been removed on the west side. Those on the east side will be removed shortly, to be followed by laying the concrete blinding and formation, to allow construction of the basement slab.
In the West Range, 2nd fix joinery including skirting, door linings and ironmongery are being installed on all floors. Making good of existing walls is continuing down the servant staircase, and within the basement area.
Existing windows are continuing to be removed, prepped, and decorated, with minor stone repairs and grouting being completed on the Catte Street elevation.
Final electrical installations and data connections are being completed. The new data cab has been wrapped up temporarily to prevent dust contamination. Ceramic tiling is progressing well throughout all the toilet and bathroom areas, on all levels.
Archaeological excavations and internal temporary bracing are being carried out in the lift pit ready for underpinning works.
