The Firebird Volume 3 (2017-18) | Page 10

Articles Fountains Hall Opening The Grand Opening Fountains Hall’s refurbishment is complete, improving its provision for sports, spirituality and the arts Peter Swift, Vice Master Over the course of 2017-18 year, the College was pleased to see Fountains Hall being both extended and refurbished to complete a further part of the Jubilee Development. We reported on the plans for this in volume 1 of this publication back in 2016. Due to a variety of reasons, in particular upon finding that the local authority had no records of the original footpath that ran North-South through the building being moved to its present position around the back of the building when it was constructed, a nine month delay ensured whilst planning permission was obtained for a stopping order on the original footpath, and this meant that the work commenced on this project in the early summer of 2017, after the student undergraduate examination period, and continued until December. Further delays in final handover, meant that the building wasn't completely handed back to the Col- lege until June of 2018. We celebrated at the official opening on 13th June when key stakeholders and donors where invited to the College to a drinks reception, that was followed by a formal dinner for our Post- graduate Community. Some pictures of the inside of the empty building, following handover are shown below. The college, in conjunction with the JCR, are planning to spend the summer RIGHT The main hall, with a greater capac- ity and greater flexibility. 10 and early parts of the 2018-19 academic year furnishing the building to meet the needs and requirements of our current student body. We are particularly pleased with the increase in number of music prac- tice rooms, the inclusion of a multi-media room and a separate Arts Studio, and the provision of disabled access through a lift to the upper level, accessible toilet and shower room. The college is very grateful to a variety of alumni and friends for supporting this project via the work of the Grey College Trust. Particular thanks go to the matricu- lating class of 1965, who wished to sup- port a project to celebrate the 50th anni- versary of them being associated within Grey College, those who "bought a brick," commemorative plaques will shortly be installed with the inscriptions wanted by the donors, and to those who sponsored a room.