The design of the renovated spaces focuses on sustainability and accessibility, ensuring that the social and cultural experience of the Wolfson community remains at the forefront.
The kitchen refurbishment project is the first result of an in-depth master planning exercise, which has set out key opportunities for growth and development of College spaces. The kitchen refurbishment project takes into consideration Wolfson's values and the tenets of its strategic plan, and will result in a well-functioning and vibrant student space that also meets the back-of-house requirements of the servery, coffee bar, and bar.
- What is under renovation?
Kitchen
The new kitchen will be a highly efficient space with high quality, durable, and low-maintenance surfaces and equipment. The design allows for future growth and higher capacities, and any technology or equipment will be future-proofed. The equipment will be suitable for creating a wide range of meals.
Council Room
The Council Room will be improved to make it a space suitable for meetings, dining, and a route for service. Improved welfare areas for staff are included in the final design, as well as improved facilities for storage, access, and logistics.
- Why these spaces?
Central to the masterplan is a reconfigured and modernised catering provision, which requires refurbishment of the kitchen and increased dining capabilities. The working environment of staff, and provision for improved delivery and storage processes were considered during the design process, and sustainability is reflected throughout.
- Where is the food and dining now?
College Dining
A temporary kitchen is in place in the Betty Wu Lee Garden (beside Plommer House) with dining facilities in the Lee Hall. Full menus and opening times are on the Food and Dining page.
Formal Halls
Formal Halls have continued to take place during the refurbishment. You can find out more on our Formal Hall page.
The project officially began with the closure of the old kitchen in December 2023. We have been working with a range of project partners across a number of fields to ensure that the renovation leads on sustainability, functionality, and welfare and access.
Elements of the building plan include:
→ retention and reuse of the existing building
→ change to induction heating instead of gas
→ opening up the servery to the kitchen for visibility and interactivity
→ improved access to the building through new back-of-house lift
→ increased storage capacity and improved internal circulation
“I’m thrilled about the kitchen refurbishment project—it’s not just an opportunity to update our existing spaces but also about embracing sustainability and accessibility, and making these working spaces the best they can be for our incredible kitchen team. Food and dining is an integral part of the Wolfson experience, and I’m very excited for the result at the end of the project.” - Tim Hurst, Head Chef
Scroll through the timeline below to read about key project milestones.
News and more information about each of our project partners is also linked below.
