[Pictured, Sharon Peacock, Master of Churchill College, and Dave Prinsep,Estates and Operations Director]
Churchill College, Cambridge, has appointed alumnus Simon Tucker (&G86) as College Architect and confirmed that planning permission and Listed Building Consent have been granted for the first phase of a major programme of building renovation and energy transition. The works will improve comfort, energy efficiency and living spaces for students. The programme reflects the College’s responsibility to care for and continuously improve a place shared with students, staff, Fellows and neighbours, and to ensure a built environment that is fit for future generations.
This approval enables the College to begin upgrading buildings to modern standards of comfort and energy efficiency while safeguarding the original architectural vision of the Grade II listed site. It is designed to improve the experience of living and working at Churchill, while preserving key architecture and enhancing the buildings for the future.
In his role as College Architect, Simon Tucker, a Director at Cottrell & Vermeulen Architecture, will guide the design and delivery of projects to ensure that changes respect Churchill College’s heritage significance while responding to changing environmental and usage needs. As an alumnus of the College who lived and studied on site, he brings a unique perspective and understanding.
The newly approved consents form part of a whole‑building, fabric‑first approach, coordinating refurbishment, remodelling, thermal upgrades and energy transition as a single integrated programme. Works include improved insulation, upgraded glazing, ventilation improvements and the introduction of air source heat pumps, alongside a new Energy Centre above the existing boiler room.
The programme will deliver clear benefits for students, reflecting changing patterns of living and study. Refurbished rooms, upgraded kitchens, additional en‑suite facilities and improved communal spaces will enhance day‑to‑day comfort, wellbeing and usability, while maintaining a mix of room types to support affordability. These improvements are carefully designed within the historic buildings, ensuring that modern facilities are introduced with minimal impact on character.
Together, these measures will significantly reduce energy demand and carbon emissions, supporting the College’s plans to make net zero attainable. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will also improve the College’s long‑term financial resilience, lessening exposure to volatile energy costs and ensuring buildings are fit for use for at least the next 60 years.
Students will also benefit from better thermal comfort and more consistent temperature control, achieved through fabric‑first upgrades rather than intrusive alterations.
The programme will be delivered in carefully planned phases over the next 5–10 years, allowing early projects to inform later stages and helping to minimise disruption. Only one area of the College will be under construction at any given time.
Works will be carefully coordinated to reduce impacts on students, staff and neighbouring residents, with clear communication and sensitive management throughout construction.
Churchill College is grateful to local residents and members of the College community for their engagement and support throughout the consultation process, which has helped to shape and strengthen the proposals.
The programme builds on recent refurbishment and decarbonisation works at the Sheppard Flats which also reflects the College’s long‑term approach to stewardship of its buildings — caring for a significant Cambridge landmark while ensuring it remains comfortable, energy efficient and fit for use for decades to come.
Dave Prinsep, Estates and Operations Director, said, “Churchill College has a long‑standing responsibility to care for both the people who live and work here and the buildings that define our shared environment. By phasing the works carefully, we can deliver meaningful improvements while minimising disruption and safeguarding the character of this exceptional place for future generations.”
Simon Tucker, College Architect, commented “Churchill College has some of the most distinctive architecture in Cambridge, and I’m honoured to be entrusted with it. The programme is about carefully considered, thoughtful change – improving comfort and performance while respecting the original architecture.”