Senior School Development

An ambitious remodelling of our Senior School site

This development programme will expand teaching and learning facilities, improve catering and dining facilities, and transform the front facade of the buildings on Bateman Street.

Completed work

In September 2022 the first components of this project were completed:

  • Modernisation of the School Dining Hall
  • Installation of a new outdoor classroom and a LAMDA Speech and Drama teaching space
Crush Building expansion (commenced January 2023)

Key benefits of this phase will include:

  • The Mary Ward Educational Suite including four state-of-the-art classrooms
  • Increased public space on Bateman Street and enhanced landscaping
  • The enclosure of the external fire escape on the Crush Building, improving access to the first and second floors

Further stages of the development will include the extension and refurbishment of the school kitchens, new breakout teaching and learning spaces, installation of a lift and the transformation of the main Reception area.

The images below from van Heyningen and Haward Architects illustrate this development in further detail.



FAQs for Parents

How will you minimise disruption for my daughter?

We are absolutely committed to minimising disruption to learning and to the overall school experience. Within that commitment, avoiding any distraction during the period of public examinations later this year is the priority.

How long will building works last?

Initial work on the Dining Hall and the addition of new outdoor learning spaces is now complete. We anticipate works on the main Senior School redevelop will take up to two years to reach full completion.

Will increased traffic make it difficult for me to pick my daughter up?

A detailed traffic management plan has been agreed with the planning authorities by the contractor. Due to the nature of the work at the front of the school, there will inevitably be some changes required to drop off routines.

The safety of all users of Bateman Street is a very high priority and additional safe crossings have been added close to the site in order to ease access to the school site.

How will this redevelopment benefit my daughter?

Our ambitious redevelopment plans are set to transform our Senior School and help deliver enriched facilities for current students, as well as future generations.

Transforming our school’s learning environment, our plans will add four state-of-the-art classrooms, a new larger dining space, an outdoor classroom, and an improved frontage, as well as other exciting additions.

The investments we are making today will ensure that both our current and future cohort of students will continue to access the very best education and facilities.

Is this redevelopment a health and safety hazard for my daughter?

The health and safety of our pupils is of vital importance to us as a school. Throughout the build we will work closely with our contractor to ensure safety on site is the number one priority. If you have any concerns, please contact the Bursar.

How are you funding this redevelopment project?

The School has secured the funds required to proceed with this development work in order to deliver the benefits to our students as soon as possible.

The Magnolia 125 Campaign encompasses this Senior School Development, alongside four other ambitious development projects. Together, they form a bold vision for the future of teaching and learning at St Mary's School.

Who should I contact about this project?

Any parent enquiries relating to this development should be sent to the School Bursar at: bursar@stmaryscambridge.co.uk

FAQs for Residents

When will building work commence on your Bateman Street site?

External building work on the Bateman Street Senior School building commenced in January 2023.

Why are you undertaking these renovations?

St Mary’s has a long history in Bateman Street, which has been home to its Senior School for 118 years.

The current site has not undergone any major building work or renovation since the 1970s and is therefore in need of some attention. With planning permission approved, St Mary’s is now moving forwards with its redevelopment plans of the site. The works will improve both the learning facilities for students attending the school now, and in the future. The redevelopment will also provide much-needed enhancements to the frontage of the building that overlooks Bateman Street.

How long will building work last?

We anticipate that work on this phase of the Senior School redevelopment project will be completed by early 2024.

What time of day will construction be taking place?

As per our planning permission agreement, construction works will take place from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday.

No deliveries, collections, construction or demolition work will be undertaken outside of these hours.

Will there be building works over weekends?

The planning permission allows for working on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00am and 1:00pm, although this is not generally anticipated.

Will there be increased traffic on Bateman Street?

There will inevitably be some additional traffic as materials are delivered to site – but we will work closely with our contractor to ensure that this is managed in a way that minimises any impact.

How will you minimise road disruptions and access for residents?

We are mindful about minimising the impact of this project on the local area / community and have mitigation measures in place. These include: site deliveries restricted to agreed times between 9.30 am and 2pm, residents will be kept informed of significant deliveries and liaised with throughout the project, and contact details for any arising issues will be provided - with records kept along with the subsequent resolutions.

How will you minimise increased noise for residents?

We are mindful about minimising the impact of this project on the local area / community and have put mitigation measures in place including demolition by hand rather than by machine wherever possible. Throughout the build we will work closely with our contractor and ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to control noise and keep the use of loud tools / works to within reasonable hours.

How will you ensure no mud or surface debris goes onto any surrounding property?

We are mindful about minimising the impact of this project on the local area / community and have put mitigation measures in place for a dust management plan that has been approved by planning.
Throughout the build we will work closely with our contractor and ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to control noise and keep the use of loud tools / works within reasonable hours.

Contact Borras Construction

If you have any comments, or in the event of any problems please contact the Borras Site Construction Manager, Brian Beckwith, in the first instance on 07854 377628 or at bbeckwith@borrasconstruction.co.uk.

“Our Senior School development moves forward our bold and ambitious vision for the future of St Mary’s, and highlights the priority we place on investing in the very best facilities and opportunities for our students.”

Stuart Westley, former Chair of Governors