A foundation stone was laid at Ruskin College in Oxford last Friday by the grandson of former Labour Prime Minister James Callaghan. James Callaghan was a great supporter in his lifetime of Ruskin College which runs further and higher education courses for adult learners, particularly those who have had no previous access to education at this level.
The Callaghan Library, named in his honour, is part of the £5m project to refurbish Ruskin College a Grade ll listed academic building and due to complete in 2012.
Penoyre & Prasad’s scheme has created a new unified campus on the Headington site, with listed buildings set in a beautiful nineteenth century landscaped setting. The design includes significant alteration and refurbishment to the listed building, removing poor quality additions. The masterplan enables an elegant transition between listed and new spaces and creates new external spaces for the College.
Principal Audrey Mullender said “Every student at Ruskin has a life-changing experience involving returning to learn as an adult and it is vital that we provide 21st Century level facilities to facilitate their learning journey.”
Partner Phyllida Mills said “Its always an exciting moment to see ideas are translated into reality, as the building comes out of the ground. Our challenge was to make a new place on the College’s listed site which students would really enjoy and which will help them engage in life at Ruskin.”