St John’s Divinity School
The Former University Divinity School was built in 1879 to the designs of Basil Champneys on land belonging to St John’s College. In 1997, the Faculty of Divinity moved to a new building designed by Edward Cullinan on the University’s Sidgwick Site and the old building reverted back to St John’s.
Various ideas for the use of the imposing but internally dated Grade II Listed building have been considered over the past ten years but none have proved viable and the building has continued to be used, albeit not very intensively, by the College.
In summer 2008, the College held a limited competition for the refurbishment of the building for college use. The competition was won by Annand and Mustoe Architects. Beacon were asked to work with the architects and the project team to refine the proposals and secure planning permission.
Discussions are currently taking place with the City Council over the detailed designs. A key issue is to ensure that the building is accessible for all potential users but without compromising the architectural or historic interest of the building.
Planning and Listed Building Consent was granted on 6 August 2008.