Overview
Since September, when the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) led to access restrictions in a number of College buildings, St Catz has worked hard to ensure that life for our students, staff, and academics continues as normally as possible. We installed several interim structures, including an interim Dining Hall and interim JCR (with a full bar!) in Michaelmas, and, most recently in Hilary Term, the Riverside Lecture Theatre and Seminar Suites providing an alternative space to the Bernard Sunley Building.
Summary of the initiative that our organisation has introduced in the last 12 months
When the presence of RAAC led to access restrictions in a number of buildings, St Catz worked hard to ensure that life for our students, staff, and academics continues as normally as possible. We installed several interim structures, including an interim Dining Hall, JCR (with a full bar!) and the Riverside Lecture Theatre and Seminar Suites; providing an alternative lecture and seminar room space.
A time lapse of its construction can be found on https://youtu.be/8KA548I0XFk
Highlights of how the initiative has impacted our organisation in the last 12 months, and how it has contributed to our success
Our many thanks go to all our Teams who quickly adapted to new surroundings, whilst continuing to deliver high standards of food, service and facilities. See what our recent guest reviews state, below:
“I just wanted to say thank you so much to you and the team for guiding us through the conference. I have been overhearing nothing but good things about the way things were arranged, and really, I think this is all because of your overwhelmingly kind and thoughtful reassuring presence, during the last few months and also so intensively during the last few days. It is amazing what you have managed to establish in such a short time, I hope that you get some time to celebrate that.”
Rose Page, CSAE
"Just wanted to pass on thx and congratulations to all staff who made out departmental retreat day at Catz on Fri fabulous. Lots of compliments made about the lecture theatre set up and IT and also about the food and service at lunch and dinner. A very good day was had by all!"
Professor Handford, Biochemistry Away Day
"Francis wanted to send you and your Team his huge thanks (and mine) for making our Annual Recess such a wonderful success. Francis and many others have fed back to me how wonderful the food was, the service, everything, as always you and your Team worked tirelessly and this year under more difficult circumstances, to offer a superb service as always."
Sarah-Jane, Biochemistry Away Day
Details of the initiative’s uniqueness
The Riverside Lecture Theatre and Seminar Suites are state-of-the-art venues that marry the serene beauty of our College's waterside location with the latest in architectural design and technology. This interim solution enables the College to accommodate up to 250 people, to avoid disruption to a busy schedule of lectures, seminars and events.
This space is designed to inspire and facilitate a range of events, from academic conferences to cultural seminars, reflecting our dedication to excellence and innovation.
The theatre’s design pays homage to Oxford’s architectural heritage while embracing modernity. Its sleek lines and glass facades offer stunning views of the surrounding waters, creating a backdrop that inspires and invigorates.
Equipped with the latest in audio-visual technology, the Riverside Lecture Theatre and Seminar Suites ensure that every presentation, lecture, or performance is delivered with crystal-clear clarity. From high-definition projection to state-of-the-art sound systems, every detail has been curated to enhance the experience of speakers and audiences alike.
Demonstration of how the needs of stakeholders were identified and understood when developing the initiative, and how they were engaged throughout its development and implementation
While the permanent lecture theatre, in particular, is being remediated, St Catherine’s urgently required a speedy high quality temporary solution to accommodate up to 250 people, to avoid disruption to a busy schedule of lectures, seminars and events. It took technicians from Neptunus just three weeks to construct a temporary lecture theatre in the college grounds, with a further three weeks to complete the fit-out of the facility which has the look and feel of a permanent building.
A 300 square metres Evolution II structure forms the main lecture theatre which is linked to 275 square metres of additional structures from the Neptunus range – Alure Globe, Alu Hall and Alure – which provide space for a foyer for refreshments and registration, break out rooms for seminars that can double up as an exhibition space.
Part of the complex, built beside a river, was erected on scaffolding to ensure a uniform height throughout with external walkways created around the temporary buildings. Neptunus’ technicians even constructed the main entrance around one of the college’s most treasured artworks, a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth permanently displayed in the grounds where the temporary lecture theatre complex has been erected.
The fit-out of the high-spec facility includes tiered seating, suspended ceilings, lighting, air conditioning, power supplies and internal partition walls.
Belinda Gardner, St Catherine’s College Head of Conferencing, Events and Accommodation, said:
“It was a pleasure working with the Neptunus team to develop our interim state-of-the-art theatre and seminar suites. Throughout the project, Neptunus demonstrated professionalism, open communication, and conduct that aligned with our own standards, finishing the works to an exceptionally high standard. We are grateful that this venue was made available in such a short amount of time, particularly given the difficult weather conditions experienced during January 2024.”
