The River Room and North Range extension secured the Best Conservation, Alteration, or Extension of an Existing Building (over £2m construction costs) category at the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2024. 

The awards celebrate the best construction projects completed in Greater Cambridge, including new buildings and conservation as well as alterations or extensions to existing buildings. 

Shortlisted projects were visited in February with the winners announced at an awards ceremony earlier this week.

The judges praised the River Room and North Range extension, acknowledging its significant contribution to Clare's broader initiative to rejuvenate Old Court as the beating heart of the College and create communal spaces for students. They felt that the project, years in the making, is both subtly elegant and visually striking.

The judges commended the project for its ingenious use of previously overlooked spaces, resulting in the establishment of a new riverside café and improved accessibility to the public spaces within Old Court. 

The transformation of Old Court aligns with Clare's overarching goal to enhance the overall experience for present and future students. 

Thank you to all partners, staff, and Fellows who played a role in the project. The support of the entire College community has been instrumental in facilitating this period of positive change. As the Old Court transformation project reaches its final phase, the College hopes to fulfil its primary objective of providing the best possible experience for current and future students.