Bedfordshire contractor SDC will begin work in early 2026 on a major £60m refurbishment of Cambridge University’s iconic James Stirling-designed Faculty of History building, after securing planning and listed building consent.
The landmark Grade II* listed building, completed in 1968 and forming part of Stirling’s famous ‘Red Trilogy’, is set for a full restoration including new extensions, a full services upgrade and major sustainability improvements.
The job marks the first major award through the University’s Consultants and Contractors Framework. SDC is understood to have beaten Kier, Bowmer & Kirkland, and Willmott Dixon to land the prestigious contract.
How the reading hall will look following the refurbishment
Designed by BDP with engineering support from Arup, the revamp will address long-standing issues such as water ingress and poor thermal comfort, while restoring original architectural features.
In addition to upgrading the building fabric and replacing services, the proposals include two new pavilions that will provide additional library and study space and improve both accessibility and fire egress.
The south pavilion, one of two proposed extensions to the building
The University aims to hit BREEAM Excellent and adopt a zero-gas strategy as part of its wider sustainability goals. Final University approvals are expected later this year, with completion due by the end of 2028.
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