Classical tradition continues at Lady Margaret Hall

College Principal, Dr Frances Lannon took part in a turf cutting ceremony at Lady Margaret Hall to celebrate the construction of new undergraduate accommodation which is being built by Beard the Oxford-based construction company.

Lady Margaret Hall pioneered women’s education in Oxford and admitted its first seven students in 1879.  Students were originally housed in the ‘Old Hall’ in Norham Gardens, North Oxford.  Since then the campus has been progressively developed and now occupies a 12 acre site. A century after its foundation LMH became co-educational.

The new £7m building is being constructed within the College grounds, which houses fine examples of 20th century architecture.  Although designed by different architects the buildings follow a classical tradition which has given Lady Margaret Hall its underlying character.

The College was originally conceived as a series of quadrangles, and was developed as such until the 1970’s when two modern tower blocks were constructed in the centre of the campus.  The new ‘L’ shaped building, which has been designed by London-based architects, John Simpson & Partners is the first of three phases to re-establish the tradition of quadrangles which is very much part of the Oxford collegiate style.

This project will strengthen Beard's reputation for managing sites close to occupied premises and carrying out complex high quality, craft-intensive building work within and around architecturally sensitive buildings.
 
Dr Frances Lannon said:  “LMH is delighted to be working in partnership with Beard on this major project and to have the benefit of their extensive experience in the Oxford University environment.  We look forward with great excitement to the realisation of our vision for the LMH of the 21st century.”

The building will provide an auditorium, seminar room, common rooms, dining room, kitchens and toilets on the ground floor; student bedrooms and kitchens on the 1st and 2nd floors; and a single Dean's flat on the third floor. The auditorium is the centrepiece of the design, with a domed ceiling and an acoustics system that can be adjusted for a variety of performances from musical recitals to lectures.

Mark Beard, Beard Managing Director said:
"Beard has worked with a number of Oxford Colleges for several decades and from initial discussions it was clear that Beard and Lady Margaret Hall share very similar values. 
We look forward to constructing the new building to a standard that all can be rightly proud of and in a manner which is rewarding for all involved in the project."

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Editors: for more information, please contact:

Sarah Parker, Marketing Manager
Beard
Cumnor Hill
Oxford
OX2 9PJ
Tel:     01865 860033
Email: sarah.parker@beardoxford.co.uk